Pentagon Staff Accidentally Damage Historic Eisenhower Globe During Move
The Pentagon is back in defense mode after it was revealed that staff accidentally damaged a historic artifact. Read on for the details of what was damaged and how it happened.
Pentagon Confirms Damage to Historic Artifact
A spokesperson for the Pentagon has acknowledged that staff damaged a standing globe reportedly used by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. According to a statement published on October 22, the "accident occurred while staff was transporting a replica of the Eisenhower globe as part of its relocation.”
The official explained that “Accidents happen, we are grateful no one was harmed, and the globe is being repaired." The damage occurred when staff were trying to relocate the artifact to the office of Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Washington Post was the first media outlet to report on the damage. The artifact was originally used by Eisenhower during World War II. It is being reported that Hegseth is drawn to the piece due to its historical significance.
The Pentagon did not detail how much money it will cost to repair the artifact, nor did it say how long the restoration will take. According to the report in the Post, staff tried to move the globe without the help of trained curators. It is tradition for professionals to oversee relocation efforts of historical artifacts so that they are not damaged in transit. It is not known why the Pentagon staff did not call on the help of trained professionals to move the priceless piece.
About the Globe Damage
The globe reportedly suffered damage to its shell near the Antarctica portion of the map. The piece became detached from the metal mounting after it was dropped, boring a hole into the lower part of the shell.
Although the report was just released this week, the incident happened in February. Officials said that the damaged globe is particularly notable because of its green pen notations that Eisenhower used to mark parts of Europe when he was serving in World War II.
The artifact is formally cataloged by the U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH). There are two Eisenhower globes housed in the Pentagon.
Eisenhower first rose to prominence when he served as a five-star general in the U.S. Army, leading the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II. This leadership thrust him onto the U.S. political scene, guiding him to serve as the 34th president between January 20, 1953, and January 20, 1961.
Historians note that Eisenhower was drawn to globes. There are several photos of the president posing with these pieces. He also frequently gifted globes to other politicians.
The damaged Eisenhower globe includes a sign that explains its connection to the former president. The sign reads, “According to popular theory, the one in this room was first used by Dwight D. Eisenhower while serving on the General Staff as Chief of the War Plans Division from February to March 1942 and Operations Division from March to June 1942. It is conjectured that this was retained by the successors to the Operations Division."
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