Paul A. Hodgson - Friendship With Eisenhower

Friendship With Eisenhower

While attending West Point, Hodgson and Eisenhower shared a room for almost 4 years. Upon being assigned together as roommates, Hodgson told his mother on July 30, 1911, "My room mate (tent mate, rather) is Dwight Eisenhower of Abilene, Kansas.…". While discussing Hodgson in December 1942, then General, Eisenhower stated, "The four years we spent in the same room more than a quarter of a century ago are still one of my most treasured memories." While Hodgson was talking with Eisenhower about running in the 1948 US Presidential Election, he said to Ike, "I think you’d make an excellent President, but am not sure you’d be very happy doing it". Ike eventually did run, and win the 1952 Election.

Hodgson spent his last days in the Letterman Hospital, and sent his last letter to Ike August 1955. Hodgson died on October 7, 1955. Upon hearing of his friend P.A.'s death, Eisenhower replied, "In P.A.’s passing, I have lost one of my oldest and best friends; one who always had my admiration, respect, and deep affection. I shall miss him more than I can say".