REAR ADMIRAL RICHARD E. BYRD - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 04/11/1939 - HFSID 85672

RICHARD E. BYRD
He signs a letter to an associate, saying he is not sure of his future schedule due to his hectic new job
Typed letter signed: "R E Byrd", in black ink, 1 page 7¼x10½. Boston, Massachusetts. April 11, 1939. In full: "My dear Mr. Bartlett: I am doubtful that I am going to be here on May 7. I am working very hard day and night on a project, and my movements are very uncertain. However, if you will call my secretary, Miss McKercher, Lafayette 3638, on the 7th she can tell you whether or not I will be in the office. I haven't been able to make any appointments recently as this job of mine really requires more time than I am able to give it. With kind regards, Cordially yours". On May 9, 1926, Richard Evelyn Byrd (1888-1957) and Floyd Bennett became the first to fly over the North Pole. Both were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Scholars have raised questions about whether or not Byrd actually reached the North Pole but all have agreed Byrd thought he had reached the North Pole. In 1929, Byrd established the "Little America" Antarctica base and flew (indisputably) over the South Pole. He was promoted to Rear Admiral upon his return in 1930. On his Antarctic expeditions in the 1930s, Byrd discovered Marie Byrd Land and the Edsel Ford Mountains. Still exploring in his late 60s, he commanded the Operation High Jump (1946-1947) and Operation Deep Freeze (1955-1956) operations. Normal mailing folds. Corners slightly worn. Stain on top left corner. Otherwise, fine condition.