MAJOR EDWARD V. "EDDIE" RICKENBACKER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/22/1972 - HFSID 86767

EDWARD V. RICKENBACKER
Edward Rickenbacker sends a typed letter of thanks for the book.
Typed Letter Signed: "Eddie Rickenbacker", 1p, 7¼x10½. New York, 1972 May 22. On his personal letterhead to Mr. Vincent E. Edmunds, Staten Island, New York. In full: "On my return to the office, I was pleasantly surprised to find a copy of the book 'War Birds--Diary of an Unknown Aviator' awaiting me, and I am grateful indeed for your interest in bringing this into the office for me. You may rest assured it will be place with my other mementoes, and I know I shall enjoy reading it. Again many thanks, and best wishes." War Birds--Diary of an Unknown Aviator, written anonymously by a WWI fighter pilot, had been published by George H. Doran Company in 1926. Captain Edward Vernon "Eddie" Rickenbacker (1890-1973) had joined North American Aviation, the parent company of Eastern in 1933 and became its General Manager in 1935, expanding its shipping and travel services. Rickenbacker purchased Eastern in March 1938 and became its President the following month. He remained in Chief Executive positions until his retirement in 1959. "Rick" had attained recognition as a race car driver before commanding the famed 94th "Hat-in-the-Ring" Squadron during WWI. He downed 26 enemy aircraft, becoming America's greatest Ace and received the Congressional Medal of Honor. After the war, Rickenbacker promoted commercial air travel and the advancement of air power for the U.S. military. During WWII, he was a special representative in the inspection of air bases in the Pacific. He died in 1973, the year after writing this letter. Folds, light horizontal fold touches the upper loops of the "E" and "R". Light smudge at lower blank margin. Fine condition.