TLS as president signed “John Kennedy,” one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, December 18, 1962. Letter to Major Ralph Stover, in full: “I appreciate very much the excellent service you and the other members of your force have rendered to me and the members of my staff during the past year. You have been extremely kind and courteous to us. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” In fine condition, with a tiny spot of soiling and trivial adhesive remnants to the corners from previous display. Ralph Stover joined the Secret Service's uniformed White House Police Force in 1940, and for the next 27 years oversaw the protection of five American presidents. Serving as the Force's chief beginning in 1958, he was especially close with the Kennedys, earning the affectionate nickname 'Smokey' from JFK for his shared last name with the popular comic strip character Smokey Stover. A charming letter of thanks to his important protector and friend, who would forever lament his absence from Kennedy's tragic trip to Dallas the following fall. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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