Truman Signed Photo with Stalin, The Only Known, Rare Copy of 1945 Trip to the Potsdam Conference Logbook

A rare copy of the logbook of the historic 1945 Potsdam Conference, signed “Harry S Truman” on the cover. Entitled “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., 140 pages, measuring 8.5” x 10.75”. Softcover, spiral-bound. Copiously illustrated with photographs. The cover is decorated with a collage of seven individual photographs of the President. Truman has boldly signed, likely as President, beneath the photograph with Stalin. A two-page 15.5” x 10.75” fold-out map charts President Truman’s trip. Historic photographs within show 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. Containing 41 photographs in all. Fine condition.

Lieutenant William M. Rigdon was Assistant Naval Aide in the White House from 1942-1953.

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.” 

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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