Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884 – December 26, 1972), 33rd President of the United States (1945–53), authentic, autographed book.

Signed “Harry S Truman” on the cover, 140 pages, 8.5 x 10.75 inches. “Log of the President’s Trip to the Berlin Conference (July 6, 1945 to August 7, 1945)” written and compiled by Lieutenant William R. Rigdon, U.S.N. Rigdon was Assistant Naval Aide in the White House from 1942-1953. Soft cover, spiral-bound. Copiously illustrated with photographs. Photo montage on the cover depicts seven individual photographs of the President. Truman has boldly signed, probably as President, beneath the photograph with Stalin.

Includes a two-page 15.5 x 10.75 inch fold-out map charting President Truman’s trip. Historic photographs in the “Log” include Truman at the destroyed Reichschancellery in Berlin, Truman with Generals Eisenhower and Patton, Truman and Churchill, Truman with Churchill and Stalin, Truman with Attlee and Stalin, and Truman and King George VI – 41 photographs in all. 

From the Truman Library: “In the late summer of 1945, President Truman journeyed to Berlin for a conference between the three major allied powers-the United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union. The President and his party sailed from the United States to Antwerp, Belgium aboard the U. S. S. ‘Augusta,’ a heavy cruiser, and traveled by plane and car to Berlin. This particular trip was different than most other trips the President made, as it took place during wartime. While on board the ship, the President witnessed several military exercises, including radar-tracking demonstrations, target practice ships, and the landing of planes on ships at sea. He also participated in an ‘abandon ship’ drill.

While at this conference, Truman met both Josef Stalin and Winston Churchill for the first time. The three leaders and their advisors settled many issues, including the establishment of a Council of Foreign Ministers to further work on the peace treaties, the governing of Germany during occupation by the Allies, German reparations, the methods for handling war criminals, and the admission of the defeated countries to the United Nations, and other topics.

As Truman met with the British and Russians to prepare for peace, preparations were also taking place for the final assault on Japan. Truman received word of the first successful test of the atomic bomb while in Potsdam, and authorized its use against Japan. On his return voyage after the conference, the United States dropped the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima, which gave President Truman great hope that the war would soon be over.”

In very good condition.