KAY SUMMERSBY

Kathleen Summersby was born November 23, 1908. She was raised in County Cork, Ireland. Her father was Lieutenant Colonel in the British Army. After finishing school, she relocated to London, England. In 1936, she married an officer in the British Army named Thomas Summersby. They divorced shortly after. She was engaged to US Army officer Lieutenant Colonel Richard Arnold, but he was killed in service during a campaign in North Africa. Kay joined the British Mechanised Transport Corps in 1939. She skillfully navigated an ambulance during the London Blitz. After the United States joined the British Allied Forces, Summersby was assigned to chauffeur General Dwight D. Eisenhower. She would also become his personal secretary shortly following her initial assignment. Kay has alleged that they maintained a romantic relationship during her time working for him. With the help of Eisenhower, she became an American citizen and member of the Women’s Auxiliary Corp of the United States Army in October 1944. Kay rose to the rank of Captain. She was awarded multiple medals including the Army of Occupation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, European Campaign Medal, Women’s Army Corps Service Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Her relationship with Eisenhower ended at the conclusion of WWII. She stayed in Europe briefly, then moved to New York. In 1952, Kay married Reginald H. Morgan, a stockbroker. They divorced in 1958. In the United States, she built a career in television and stage, working as a fashion coordinator and set and costume designer. She died on January 20, 1975.