Military Patch
1950
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) shoulder patch

This patch was worn by US forces assigned to NATO Headquarters, Brussells, Belgium. The two swords pointing skyward meet at their points to form the letter "A", which represents the strength of the Allied forces. The original twelve nations that formed the NATO alliance are represented by the silver rays emanating from the swords. The olive branches at the bottom symbolize peace. The green background suggests the green fields and woods of Europe. The Latin inscription, "Vigilia Pretium Libertatis"means "Vigilance is the price of liberty."

In 1951, General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower again served his nation overseas in Europe. This time it was as commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces that were defending Western Europe from possible Soviet attack during the Cold War. The success of NATO depended on good working relations between twelve different countries. Once again, Eisenhower’s skill in leading a military alliance placed him in a position of great responsibility.

Eisenhower stepped down from the NATO assignment to run for President of the United States in 1952. He resigned his army commission to do so. However, after serving two terms in the White House, Eisenhower was reinstated as General of the Army by a Special Act of Congress signed by President John F. Kennedy. After January 20, 1961, Eisenhower preferred to be addressed as General Eisenhower rather than President.

Cloth. H 9.0, W 5.5, T 0.2 cm
Eisenhower National Historic Site, EISE 11319