The Umbrella Man - General Dwight D. Eisenhower signs the order making shape operational, at the shape he headquarters in Paris today, April 2. Addressing a press conference afterwards General Eisenhower said "I am here just to help provide an umbrella over it (the North Atlantic treaty countries) all." The press conference was the first he has given since taking over command formally at one minute past midnight today. Eisenhower said that taking over command was simply a formal in keeping with the old military tradition that a new commander should issue a number one order announcing that he had taken command. April 17, 1951. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).