JOHN R. DETHMERS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/17/1964 - HFSID 297539

JOHN R. DETHMERS
The Michigan Supreme Court Justice writes to the Secretary of the Air Force praising his old friend Gerrit W. Wesselink and advocating that he be given the Justice Tom C. Clark award.
Typed Letter signed: "John R Dethmers", 1 page, 8½x11. Lansing, Michigan, 1964 March 17. On letterhead of the Michigan Supreme Court and addressed to Honorable Eugene C. Zuckert, Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, D.C. In full: "Dear Mr. Secretary: Information has come to me of your intention to nominate Gerrit W. Wesselink for the Justice Tom C. Clark award. This delights me greatly. Mr. Wesselink and I have known each other since 1917 when we entered as freshmen in the Northwestern Classical Academy at Orange City, Iowa. After four years together there as close friends we went on to Hope College at Holland, Michigan, where we were roommates. Naturally, I came to know him very well. He was a fine student, a gentlemen, and a real friend. Also, I knew his parents and family. They were excellent people. During the years I have followed Mr. Wesselink's career with interest and pride. While I am far less familiar with his record in government service than you must be, I am confident that one with his character and ability cannot have failed to establish an outstanding career in service with which he has so long been connected. I wish to compliment you for making this nomination. Cordially yours" John R. Dethmers (1903-1971) was born in Plessis, Iowa. A graduate of Hope College and the University of Michigan Law School, he began practicing law in 1927. He served as Prosecuting Attorney for Ottawa County, Michigan (1931-1938), Chairman of the Michigan Republic Party (1942-1945) and Michigan Attorney General (1945-1946). In 1946, he was appointed as a Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court and served from 1946 to 1970, with three stints as Chief Justice. Two vertical and one horizontal crease. Three filing holes at left edge. Staple holes at top left. Otherwise, fine condition.