Lot #4358

[Wernher von Braun] Congratulatory Letter from U.S. Army Major General Julius Klein on the Recent Apollo 11 Mission

Description

"We are proud of you and of the wonderful scientific contributions you have made to our country, and which you have now adopted as your own"

TLS from U.S. Army Major General Julius Klein to Wernher von Braun, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal ‘two-star’ letterhead, July 30, 1969, six days after the return of the historic Apollo 11 mission. The letter reads, in full: “I would like to add my congratulations to the many personal messages that I know you have received, as well as those printed in the press, on your great historical achievement. I first met you in the late 40's when I took the Guided Missile Course at Ft. Bliss, Texas where my good old comrade-in-arms, General Jack Homer, was the commandant. He had great faith in you, as you know, from the very beginning of your activities in missile development. I took great pride in the glowing tributes that have been paid to you by the press, and even Drew Pearson, the cantankerous and usually critical columnist, had good words to say about your magnificent accomplishment.

Following the lunar landing I prepared a memorandum in which I point to the great contribution you have made, as a former German national, and now a proud American citizen to our scientific programs in advancing space exploration. I predicted many years ago, as you will note from the enclosed clippings from two Chicago papers in 1957, that your efforts would lead to the first moon landing. A copy of my memorandum is also enclosed. And now that this has become a reality, all America and the world at large, hail you. We are proud of you and of the wonderful scientific contributions you have made to our country, and which you have now adopted as your own.” Stapled to the front and back of the letter are copies of two letters from Major General John L. Homer to Klein, as well as the referenced memorandum and newspaper clippings. In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Stephen Hankow of Farthest Reaches, who states that the "grouping was obtained from the personal collection of Doris Hunter, former Head Archivist of the WVB Collection of the Alabama Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama."

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Space Exploration and Aviation
• Dates: #691 - Ended April 25, 2024