At a moment when feelings in both countries were raw (reflected most notably in Eisenhower’s constant problems with General Montgomery, who was not only unbearably egocentric but also openly insulting), Ike always managed to control his temper. After one particularly egregious offense, Ike had put his hand on Monty’s knee and said, “Steady, Monty. You can’t speak to me like that. I’m your boss.” Eisenhower never lost sight of the fact that he had to hold the alliance together, a job that was greater than one man’s ego. To ordinary British citizens he came to represent the embodiment of the new
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