Sincere and frank TLS as President, one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, November 8, 1950. Truman writes to R. Baker Harris of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 5, just one week after a failed assassination attempt by two Puerto Rican nationals. In full: “I want to thank you and the entire membership of Potomac Lodge No. 5, F.A.A.M., for your kind expression of gratitude for my personal safety. My deepest concern is that Officer Leslie Coffelt, a member of your lodge, made the supreme sacrifice and two other valiant White House guards were badly wounded in my defense. We all grieve the loss of Brother Coffelt, a brave and heroic man, but we have reason to be proud of him and take pride in his devotion to duty.” Coffelt was standing guard on November 1, 1950, when Puerto Rican nationalists Griselio Torresola and Oscar Collazo attempted to assassinate Truman at Blair House, where he was residing while the White House was being renovated. In the ensuing gun battle outside, two White House guards and one assassin were badly wounded. Though Coffelt was surprised and wounded by Torresola, he was able to stagger out of the guard booth and kill Torresola instantly with a single shot to the head. Coffelt succumbed from his wounds four hours later. Truman attended Coffelt’s funeral at Arlington Cemetery on November 4; in May 1952, he dedicated a plaque at the front gate of the Blair House in honor of the slain officer. To this day, Coffelt is the only member of the Secret Service to be killed while protecting a U.S. President from an assassination attempt. In fine condition, with just a bit of trivial light foxing. This is the first letter of Truman’s mentioning the attempt on his life we have offered. An unselfish and heartfelt correspondence from Truman to a fellow Mason, written just seven days after the attempt, remembering an officer’s ultimate sacrifice. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
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