Description
Typed letter signed, one page, 8 x 12 inch, `Le Commandant en Chef de l`Armée` letterhead, Quartier Général de l`Armée, 23.10.1944, in French, thank-you letter to "Monsieur le Colonel divisionnaire Rihner" - concerning his 70th birthday, signed in dark ink "Guisan", with intersecting letter folds and a paper-clip to the upper left corner - in fine condition. Accompanied by photographs on the occasion of his birthday and a copy of Rihner`s typed letter.
In parts:
"Mon cher Rihner,
Vous avez eu une manière bien originale de me faire parvenir vos voeux à l`occasion de mon 70me anniversaire. Ils sont tombés du ciel, avec une grande précision, sur la terrasse de `Verte Rive`, munis d`une banderolle dédicacée. Mes compliments aux exécutants! [...]"
Translated:
"My dear Rihner,
You had a very original way of sending me your wishes on the occasion of my 70th birthday. They fell from the sky, with great precision, onto the terrace of `Verte Rive`, carrying a signed banner. My compliments to the performers! [...]"
Further Information on the person
Profession:
(1874-1960) Swiss army officer who held the office of the General of the Swiss Armed Forces during the Second World War.
Year of Birth: 1874
Henri Guisan was a Swiss military officer who played a pivotal role during World War II as the commander-in-chief of the Swiss Armed Forces. Born on October 21, 1874, in the town of Mézières, Guisan grew up in a military family and followed in his father's footsteps by pursuing a career in the military.
After attending military school, Guisan served in various roles within the Swiss Army, eventually rising through the ranks to become a divisional commander in 1924. In 1939, he was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Swiss Armed Forces, just before the outbreak of World War II.
Guisan's leadership during the war was marked by his dedication to Swiss neutrality and his strategic decisions to mobilize the Swiss Army to defend the country. Despite pressure from both the Allies and the Axis powers to align with them, Guisan maintained Switzerland's neutrality throughout the conflict.
His famous Rütli Oath, delivered in 1940, solidified his commitment to defending Switzerland against any invasion. Guisan's leadership and strategies were crucial in maintaining Switzerland's independence and neutrality during a tumultuous time in European history.
After the war, Guisan retired from the military and lived out the rest of his days in peaceful retirement. He passed away on April 7, 1960, leaving behind a legacy of loyalty, courage, and steadfastness in the face of adversity.
Henri Guisan is remembered as a hero in Swiss history, revered for his leadership and dedication to his country during one of its most challenging periods. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Swiss citizens to uphold the values of neutrality and independence that he fought so fiercely to protect.
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