Two items: one typed memo signed “H. H. Arnold,” one page, 8 x 10.5, Headquarters, Army Air Forces letterhead, December 21, 1945, in part: “Your services on the graphic illustrations of the reports of the Army Air Forces Scientific Advisory Group have materially contributed to the excellent presentation of the group’s reports. You are hereby authorized to wear the Army Commendation Ribbon by direction of the Secretary of War”; and a vintage matte-finish 10 x 8 photo of Arnold and Dr. Theodore von Karman, signed in fountain pen by Arnold and signed and inscribed to Brower by von Karman. Memo is in fine condition, with light creases and toning, and a paperclip mark and impression to the top; the photo, however, had ink spilled on it at the time of signing, obscuring part of Arnold’s signature in addition to a few light creases and silvering to the dark areas of the image. Arnold had been so impressed with the work of members of the Scientific Advisory Group’s illustrators that he asked for a medal to be created to honor them, with Brower chosen as the designer. The photos show Arnold presenting the group with their ‘medals’—in actuality, they had not yet been struck, so Brower created cardboard versions for the event. Accompanied by an unsigned photo of the medal presentation and a letter of provenance from Brower’s brother, fully explaining the history behind the items. RRAuction COA.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
