GENERAL IRA C. EAKER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/31/1980 - HFSID 157733

IRA C. EAKER
In this typed letter just before the 1980 presidential election, Air Force Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker said that he opposed Re-election of President Carter and that "Mr. Reagan will do more to strengthen our national defenses" and prevent war.
Typed Letter signed: "Ira C Eaker," 1p, 7¼x10½. Washington, D.C., 1980 October 31. On personal letterhead to Robert H. Tom, Elmhurst, New York. In full: "In response to your welcomed letter of October 29th, I am enclosing the last three columns written on the candidates for election on November 4th. [not included] As you will see, I am totally against President Carter's reelection. I feel Mr. Reagan will do more to strengthen our national defenses and since it takes the same national defense to prevent a war as it does to win a war, I feel Mr. Reagan is the man who will do this. So, to answer your specific question 'Do you feel that the election of Ronald Reagan would endanger our peaceful status in the world?' I do not. Since I am most anxious that you get the enclosed information before November 4th, if possible, I will answer your question regarding General Eisenhower, General MacArthur and President Truman at a later date. With ever good wish, as always, Sincerely." EAKER (1896-1987) made the first transcontinental flight purely on instruments (1936). During WWII, he personally led the first U.S. B-17 bomber strike against German occupation forces in France, the bombing of Rouen, August 17, 1942. In June 1944, after being transferred to the Mediterranean, he flew the first bombing raid from Italy into Germany, landing in the Soviet Union after striking factory and oil installations and other military targets. In 1944, he was named Commander of the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces. In 1970, Eaker was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Fine condition.