American World War I ace (1879–1936). His zealous ambition, overreaching bravado, and vocal criticism of the War and Navy departments following the war led to a court-martial, a guilty verdict, and prior to a suspension, his resignation from the military in 1926. TLS signed “Wm. Mitchell,” one page, 6.5 x 10.25, personal letterhead, February 16, 1931. Mitchell writes to Sam E. Burns, Jr., in full: “Thank you very much for your letter of Feb. 8th, which I found upon my return home today. I am glad to know of your interest in aviation problems. Your view is quite correct in regard to the Air Corps as at present organized. The only way aviation can be developed to its maximum efficiency is under its own officers, as a separate branch of the service, coequal with the Army and Navy. It takes a little time to bring the public mind around to a realization of this fact, but it will be accomplished sooner or later. One way in which boys in school can help toward this is by having debates on the subject.” One of the mailing folds lightly affecting a couple of letters of the beginning of the signature, a uniform block of toning over the text and signature, and some trivial toning at the bottom right edge, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope and an unsigned photo of Mitchell in uniform. One of the most controversial figures in the history of the Air Force, Mitchell took a no-holds-barred approach to advocating for the expansion of airpower in military warfare. He is remembered as the first great advocate for the division that would become a quintessential staple in modern militia. RRAuction COA.
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