Description:

McAuliffe Anthony 1898 - 1975 Famed "Nuts!" General is rare in an ALS penned contemporary to World War II! Reduced to the rank of Colonel in 1946, Rex Chandler wrote his old comrade that he wishes to retire at his previous grade of Brigadier General – Gen. McAuliffe replies, "I am told that Eisenhower has taken a personal interest in an identical case ... The Chief has been told that he cannot legally retire him as a B.G." Rare early Autograph Letter Signed "Tony," two full pages, 8" x 10.5", front and verso. Washington, D.C., May 27. With original envelope postmarked Washington, D.C., May 27, 1947. Addressed by McAuliffe to "Gen. Rex Chandler, / 204 Crescent Ave, / San Antonio, / Tex," marked "Air Mail," signed "McAuliffe" in the upper left above printed return address. On letterhead of "The Joint Research and Development Board / Washington 25, D.C." Fine condition.

Before World War II, Anthony McAuliffe and Rex Chandler (1901-1964) were Captains, First Field Artillery, stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Chandler was promoted to Brigadier General in early 1945. Brigadier General McAuliffe parachuted into Normandy on D-Day on June 6, 1944. He replied "Nuts!" to a formal German surrender ultimatum six months later on December 22, 1944. On February 3, 1945, the 1st Cavalry Division commanded by Brig. Gen. Chandler advanced into Manila, beginning the battle which ended almost three years of Japanese military occupation in the Philippines and led to Gen. Douglas MacArthur's promised return.

On March 7, 1946, the War Department made public the list of 212 officers whose temporary appointments as Generals had been ended in line with the Army's cut in General officer strength. As published in "The New York Times" on March 8, 1946, the list of 54 who were "Reduced to the temporary grade of colonel, effective March 6" included "Rex E. Chandler." Chandler, addressed as "Gen. Rex Chandler" by McAuliffe on the envelope, evidently wrote to McAuliffe about retiring as a Brigadier General which would, of course, mean a higher pension.

In full, "When I got home last night, I found your letter. I did get busy as soon as I returned from San Antonio. All those to whom I talked gave me the same answer, that Sec. 7 of Pub. Law 101, to which you refer in your letter, prevents retirement in the higher grade if application is made later than six months after reduction. I discussed your case with a number of people; several of whom know you well and displayed a keen personal interest; namely, Cal Smith, the authority in Paul's office on retirements & Jack Suman, authority in the same field for AGF. I am told that Eisenhower has taken a personal interest in an identical case, the Cg of local Gables Hospital; Beck, I believe. The Chief has been told that he cannot legally retire him as a B.G." General of the Army Dwight S. Eisenhower served as Chief of Staff of the Army from November 19, 1945 to February 6, 1948.

McAuliffe continues, "Cal Smith testified yesterday on the Army list to retire all in their highest wartime grades. He thinks it is a cinch to pass. The Navy already has it. Your case had been acted on before I got back to the office on May 6th. However, if there is any way to get around that Sec. 7, people here would like to know it, as they have several deserving cases. If you have a suggestion, please write me again. I know the whole crowd here and all are most sympathetic and sincerely desirous of finding a solution. Will return your papers, which I left at home. Helen & Pat join me in love to you all. Yours, Tony." Chandler retired in 1947.

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