Harry C. Butcher (1901–1985)

I found this 1st Edition book at a local estate sale along with several other very interesting books. This book is the diary of one of Eisenhower's top aids from mid-1942 to mid-1945. Captain Butcher (Navy) was an old friend of Ike's chosen to track the general's activities and daily interactions.

The book averages 1-3 pages for every diary day. Kind of dry reading to read like a typical book. When reading each night before bed, I found I was falling asleep after a typical day entry. However, at this pace I would not be finishing this book for another 3 years. So I modified my reading to focus on significant events of the war. At that point the reading, for me, the book got much more interesting.

I found interesting Ike's impressions and handling of Patton's slapping incident more informative than various other sources. I have the impression the unfolding of the Battle of the Bulge must have been chaotic. This topic is only addressed/mentioned starting a day after the initial German attack. Things must have been very busy that first day for the Allies.

Of particular interest to me was the setup and organization of Ike's command and staff during the buildup of American forces in England. The diary entries mention various names repeatedly that only get brief mentions in other books.

Slow reading, but interesting content. Worth reviewing.… (more)

Capt. Butcher, a Naval Officer and personal friend of Eisenhower, was chosen by Eisenhower as he was about to leave for the ETO to be his personal aide. His duties were varied--buffer, confidant, office manager, briefer of the press, but most importantly he was keeper of the daily diary. Here we have, written in an informal, highly-readable style, a personal description of not only the business of the day, but also the casual events. It offers a very large window into the personality and daily life of Eisenhower and all who surrounded him. Highly discreet in the matter of Kay Summersby, personal driver to Eisenhower.… (more)