Description
Lewis Blaine Hershey (1893-1977) Typed Letter Signed, "Lewis B. Hershey", 6.25 x 9.25, on "The White House, Washington" letterhead, 25 June 1970, to Mrs. Roscoe Turner offering condolences on the death of her husband, aviation pioneer Roscoe Turner, by the United States Army general who served as the second Director of the Selective Service System, the means by which the United States administers its military conscription. In October 1940, President Franklin Roosevelt promoted him to brigadier general and named him executive officer of the Selective Service System. On July 31, 1941, President Roosevelt named Hershey director of the Selective Service. In 1942, Hershey was promoted to major general. He was the longest-serving director in the history of the Selective Service System, and held the position until February 15, 1970. General Hershey was one of only six generals in the history of the United States Army to have served as a general during three major conflicts (WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War). In this letter he is acting as "Advisor to the President" (Richard Nixon). In part: "Mrs. Hershey and I send our deepest sympathies on the passing of your uncomparable husband...We are most conscious of his contributions to the development of the airplane." Comes with the original White House mailing envelope. Both items are in fine condition, with paper clip stain on both, crease and normal mailing folds to the letter.
Roscoe Turner (September 29, 1895 – June 23, 1970) was a record-breaking American aviator who was a three-time winner of the Thompson Trophy air race, and widely recognized by his flamboyant style and his pet lion named Gilmore.
$295 #11555
