MALTA AND THE AMERICAN PRESIDENTS
Dwight D. Eisenhower
The 34th President of the USA
The 34th President of the United States of
chose Malta as the headquarters for the initial
America, Dwight Eisenhower knew Malta well.
invasion activities ‘because of her splendid na-
In his time as Supreme Commander of the Al-
val communications system.’ In addition to Ei-
lied Forces, Eisenhower used Malta as his base
senhower, Bernard Montgomery, Lord Louis
for the Invasion of Sicily during WWII. While in
Mountbatten, and others of the top command
Malta Eisen-
were there. D-
hower was a
Day was 10
guest of Field
July 1943 and
Marshal Lord
3000 ships and
Gort, then Gov-
large landing
ernor General of
craft with
Malta
115’000 British
Common-
The Historical
wealth and
Dictionary of
66’000 Ameri-
Malta states:
can troops,
were ready. Harsh weather from a freak storm
With the end of the North African campaign,
made the operation much more difficult, but it
Malta became more of a provider than a re-
proceeded successfully. Among the first to
ceiver of bombs and other munitions. Ships,
land was the 231st Infantry Brigade of the King’s
stores, ammunition, vehicles and all accoutre-
Own Malta Regiment, which used a white Mal-
ments of the impending Allied invasion of
tese cross on a red shield as its brigade insig-
Europe were everywhere. There was also a
nia. On 13 July, the Supreme Allied Com-
massive buildup of the air arm. Supreme Allied
mander first set foot on Axis-dominated
Commander General Dwight D. Eisenhower
Europe. Italy surrendered on 8 September
EMBASSY OF MALTA
WASHINGTON D.C.