ADMIRAL HYMAN G. RICKOVER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/12/1972 - HFSID 137559

HYMAN G. RICKOVER
Rickover signed this typed letter on Atomic Energy Commission letterhead to William W. Smith in 1972.
Typed letter signed "H. G. Rickover". 1 page, 6¾x7¾, on Atomic Energy Commission letterhead. Dec. 12, 1972. Addressed to Mr. William W. Smith, Ridgewood, New York. In full: "Dear Mr. Smith: Thank you for your kind note and sincere wishes. Your concern and thoughtfulness are most encouraging and deeply appreciated. Sincerely, H. G. Rickover". Head of the United States Navy's electrical division in World War II, Rickover (1900-1986, born in Makov, Russia) moved to the Atomic Energy Commission in 1947 and developed the first nuclear-powered submarine, the Nautilus, in 1954. He presided over the build-up of the U.S. nuclear-powered Navy. He also presided over the construction of the one-of a kind, super-secret NR-1 nuclear submarine. Despite cost overruns during its development, which earned the wrath of the General Accounting Office, the NR-1 fulfilled Rickover's fondest hopes. The story of the craft has now been told in Dark Waters: An Insider's Account of the NR-1, the Cold War's Undercover Nuclear Submarine by Don Davis and original crewmember Lee Vyborny (2002). Rickover was promoted to rear admiral in 1953, vice-admiral in 1959 and admiral in 1973. Lightly toned and creased. Paper loss in both upper corners and on right and left edges. Discolored at bottom edge (does not touch signature). Folded once and unfolded. Otherwise in fine condition.