Lot 626
Kennedy, John F. Typed letter signed as President, one page, on The White House letterhead, Washington, May 23, 1963. To Vice Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, U.S. Navy, Assistant Chief of the Bureau of Ships for Nuclear Propulsion, reassuring Rickover that his nuclear program will continue in spite of the 10 April, 1963 disaster involving the USS Thresher, in which 129 men died. A court of inquiry was established and the whole future of the nuclear submarine program was in question. The investigation ultimately revealed that the disaster was not nuclear related but was caused by faulty welding during repairs in a Navy shipyard.
Kennedy writes: " I was pleased to hear from you once again upon the successful comletion of sea trials of yet another nuclear powered man-of-war, the ANDREW JACKSON. The man for whom this latest is named said 126 years ago: 'In the construction of vessels at the different navy yards and in the employment of our ships and squadrons at sea that branch of the service has been actively and usefully employed.' This bit of understatement is still true, particularly in the case of the nuclear powered submarines, the concept of which we are indebted to you.
I know that you, and all others responsible, will continue this fine work, and not relax your efforts to provide the greatest possible memorial to the gallant men of the THRESHER -- ships they would wish, and in which they would be proud, to serve…."
Light edge toning and one staple mark in upper left corner.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
The Arden Family Holdings of Beverly Hills.
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| Realized $6,000 |
