Eve of Rendezvous with Destiny
Ike and the 101st Airborne
June 5, 1944

General Dwight D. Eisenhower visits paratroopers of the 101st Airborne, the Screaming Eagles, on June 5, 1944, prior to their loading into C-47's for the flight to Normandy. With some invasion planners projecting casualties of over 75% among the airborne troops, Ike was burdened with the thought of such high losses. He visited these paratroopers to show his support for all of the Allied airborne soldiers who would soon be dropping from the sky over France. The photograph was taken on the evening of D-Day minus-1, at Greenham Common airfield, outside of the town of Newbury in southern England. Paratrooper Jump Wings are included to honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of all members of the 101st who began the liberation of Europe on June 6, 1944. As foretold by Gen. William "Bill" Lee, who oversaw the raising, training and equipping of the 101st, the Screaming Eagles had a "Rendezvous With Destiny."

The artwork also features authentic reproduction Screaming Eagle shoulder patch, Jump Wings, and a copy of Ike's original D-Day message: "Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you..." The letter has been copied from an original in our collection.

The finished piece measures 12 3/4" x 25 1/2". It is matted in a dark olive green, with a lower light green mat upon which the 101st Patch and Jump Wings are mounted. The frame is black metal. A solid-wood frame in Cherry, Walnut or Mahogany-finish is available for an additional $75.

US Shipping: metal frame $225. Wood frame $300.

Outside US shipping: metal frame $265. Wood frame $340.

If you prefer the wooden frame, please send an email to info@menofeasycompany.com with the frame of your choise. A additional invoice for $75,00 will be send through PAYPAL.

If you are ordering outside the US you will receive an additional invoice through PAYPAL for $30,00.