ELAINE SHEPARD - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 11/20/1978 - HFSID 222169

ELAINE SHEPARD
In 1978, Shepard sent this letter and several photos to a Las Vegas women's shelter to inspire the women there
Typed letter signed "Elaine Shepard" in red ink. 1 page, 7¾x10¾, with Shepard's New York City address typed at the top. New York, New York, November 20, 1978. Addressed to Sherry Sussman, Women's Crisis Shelter, 2962 S. Main St., Las Vegas, Nevada. In full: "Dear Miss Sussman, Enclosed are photos from which you can choose. It is flattering to ponder their cheering up women who've had a (too) long coffee break. Am putting the finishing touches to my new book. Perhaps in the near future your committee and I could put our heads together about raising funds for your women's assistance efforts. I salute you. Best and Cheers, Elaine Shepard. Afterthought: In a spirit of helpfulness I am including some background material explaining that activities include both show business, war correspondent and author. Attached/ 8 photos. Please select from them which you want autographed. Return the lot, and I will then forward to you. Thanks." Shepard (1913-1998) was a Broadway and film actress in the 1930's and1940's. Some of her films include Darkest Africa (1936) The Fighting Texan (1937) and You Can't Fool Your Wife (1940). She was also a war correspondent who covered the Vietnam War. She wrote two books about her experiences, The Doom Pussy (1967), which was a semi-fictional account of aviation in the Vietnam War and coined the term "the whole nine yards," and The Doom Pussy II (1992), which focused especially on pilots flying combat sorties. She is also the author of Forgive Us Our Press Passes! (1962). Lightly toned, spotted and creased. Otherwise in fine condition.