REAR ADMIRAL RICHARD E. BYRD - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 11/28/1956 - HFSID 86983

RICHARD E. BYRD
Byrd signed this typed letter on American Heart Association letterhead in 1956 - less than four months before his death - to Dr. Daniel A. Poling of the Christian Herald Magazine.
Typed letter signed "Richard E Byrd"as National Campaign Chairman of the American Heart Association, Inc.1 page, 8¼x11, on American Heart Association letterhead. Nov. 28, 1956. Addressed to Dr. Daniel A. Poling, Editor of the Christian Herald Magazine, New York City. In full: "My dear doctor: Your kind endorsement of last year's heart fund campaign helped make it our most successful national appeal. As we approach next February's campaign, I, as its national campaign chairman, very much hope you may wish again to lend your support. A few words from you calling attention to the problem posed by heart diseases and encouraging the efforts of our volunteers and friends will be deeply appreciated. To facilitate your cooperation, I enclose a few items with basic information about heart diseases, the dimensions of our problem, and the scope of our work. I look forward to a message of support from you. With kindest regards. Sincerely yours,". Byrd (1888-1957, born in Winchester, Virginia) made the first of his four expeditions to Antarctica between 1928 and 1930, during which time he established the "Little America" base and became the first man to fly over both the North and South Poles. Subsequent expeditions were made between 1933 and 1935 and between 1939 and 1941. Byrd detailed his adventures in books and on the lecture circuit following his returns to the U.S. Proceeds from his books and talks were used to finance additional expeditions, which continued through 1956. Byrd, who discovered Marie Byrd Land and the Edsel Ford Mountains, was given the honorary title, "Mayor of Antarctica". Lightly toned and creased. Staple holes in upper left corner. Folded twice and unfolded. Otherwise in fine condition.