Historic Eisenhower Cards Add Star Power to 2012 Americana Heroes & Legends

Long before Dwight D. Eisenhower was a five-star general in the U.S. Army or the 34th President of the United States, he was a four-star general. And all four of those stars -- quite literally -- are at the heart of four unique trading cards Panini America created for the upcoming 2012 Americana Heroes & Legends set.

Long before Dwight D. Eisenhower was a five-star general in the U.S. Army or the 34th President of the United States, he was a four-star general. And all four of those stars — quite literally — are at the heart of four unique trading cards Panini America created for the upcoming 2012 Americana Heroes & Legends set.

The stars incorporated into the cards — which also include cut signatures from Eisenhower — were taken from Eisenhower’s Army uniform and were donated by Mamie Doud Eisenhower, the former First Lady, almost 40 years ago to a dinner in her late husband’s honor. Panini America acquired the precious metal mementos at auction as part of a framed display that also included a black-and-white photograph of the former president in his uniform and a letter written by Ethel M. Wetzel, Doud Eisenhower’s personal secretary, dated September 9, 1974.

Since the special cards are too thick to fit into packs of 2012 Americana Heroes & Legends, they were inserted via special redemption cards — the only redemptions in the product — that are ready to be fulfilled immediately.

Eisenhower, who died in 1969, served as President from 1953 to 1961, was a five-star general in the Army during World War II and the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. Eisenhower is still widely considered one of the greatest U.S. presidents of all time.

We’ve provided a complete gallery of the four spectacular cards below, as well as the photograph and letter that accompanied the original framed piece purchased at auction.

Tomorrow on The Knight’s Lance, we’ll have a closer look at the legendary Tuskegee Airmen cards and autographs included in 2012 Americana Heroes & Legends.

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26 Replies to “Historic Eisenhower Cards Add Star Power to 2012 Americana Heroes & Legends”

  1. WOW! I would love to have one of those in my collection! With my dad being in the service for 30 years it would make a great add to everything else I have! I true piece of Americana for sure!

  2. This stuff is even cooler than the hockey laces in cards!!! Any drawings or raffles for cards such as these? It’s awesome that Panini was able to get a sweet part of history from an absolutely accomplished president! Can’t wait to try and get some of these relics!

  3. Once again Panini creates a unique card that stands out among others. Is this a design that will be used in the future for other military heroes?

  4. I am really of 2 minds when it come to truely historical american artifacts like this.
    I know its a great way to promote your product while at the same time educating the masses about great americans and giving a few of them a truely unique and very special collectiable card of said americans.
    But on the other hand, there’s a part of me that’s uneasy about taking this stuff apart from its original configuration.
    Then again, this is America and your right under current laws so I guess it doent really matter how I feel. 😉

    Anyway, I’m sure it was all done with class.
    Another great one guys.

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