ALEXANDER PATCH

ALEXANDER PATCH
(1889 - 1945) American Army general who also commanded Marines in the invasion of Guadalcanal to relieve the 1st Marine Div., headed the invasion landings in southern France and link-up with Patton's Third Army. Died of pneumonia. Great content and association T.L.S. 'Alex P.' on his official 7th Army letterhead, 1p. 4to., March 24, 1945, to his friend, Major General GEOFFREY KEYS (1888-1967). In full: 'Dear Geoff: Colonel Powell, your G-1, is in my office and on his way back. I order you to take leave and come over and see us again. Recognizing that you are not under my command and will disobey this order, still I have faint hopes you might listen to reason. The last time you came here you did our entire headquarters an immense amount of good, so this request is in the interest of the military service. Best of everything on earth to you, old boy.' Mailing folds, else fine. Keys was a highly decorated senior United States Army officer who served with distinction in Sicily and Italy during World War II. Keys and Patch were also classmates at West Point, each graduating in 1913. Sold with the original transmittal envelope, 8.5 x 4 in., bearing Patch’s free-frank signature in black ink at lower-left. Fine condition. Two pieces.