James Doolittle Signed Typed Letter and Signed Photograph, 1969

Presented is a typed letter signed by famous pilot General James H. Doolittle. The one page letter, dated July 3, 1969 is addressed to Gary Lorentz and articulates what Doolittle believes makes a good American. He writes, "A good man, in my mind, is one who serves his fellow man unselfishly and well." The letter is paired with an accompanied black and white photograph of Doolittle, also signed and inscribed, “To Gary Lorentz, With Every Good Wish, J. H. Doolittle.” 

The letter, typed on his personal letterhead, is signed at the bottom in blue ink. The letter reads, in full: 

"Dear Gary:

I am happy to learn that you want to be a good American. 

A good man, in my mind, is one who serves his fellow man unselfishly and well. If this is true then a good American is one who serves his Country, which is to say, his fellow Americans unselfishly and well. Anyone who does his designated job well serves. It really makes no difference if he is a preacher, lawyer, doctor, soldier, carpenter, teacher or government employee. The important thing is that he put Nation before self and help others.

No one can decide for you what you should do. Only you can make that decision. Usually we do best those things we enjoy doing

I would suggest that you select an objective and then direct your efforts to the attainment of that objective. This will require hard work and education. The more education you get the better you will be able to serve and the happier you will be. Advanced education is better than money in the bank. 

Good luck.”

Most famously known for leading the Tokyo Air Raid during WWII, General James “Jimmy” Doolittle contributed not just service, but ingenuity to the nascent air service. A military strategist, Doolittle also became the first pilot to fly from the American east coast to the west coast in under 24 hours, developed low visibility flight tools, modified bomber escort tactics, and led the famous Eighth Air Force. 

General Doolittle served in WWI, WWII, and the Cold War, but his attack on Tokyo and other major cities dominates his legacy. On April 18, 1942, sixteen B-25 bombers under the command of Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle were launched from the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Hornet. They flew 650 miles to Japan and dropped their bombs on Tokyo and other Japanese cities and then escaped to China and neutral Soviet territory. Although the attack itself caused little structural damage, the Doolittle raid was a severe psychological blow to Japanese military leaders and had far-reaching strategical effects. The raid prompted the Japanese to retain four army fighter groups in Japan during 1942 and 1943, when they were badly needed in the South Pacific. The attack also compelled the Japanese to push beyond their originally planned defensive perimeter, thereby increasing the vulnerability of their supply lines. The Doolittle Raid provided an electrifying boost to American morale.

Doolittle was promoted to lieutenant general and commanded the Twelfth Air Force over North Africa, the Fifteenth Air Force over the Mediterranean, and the Eighth Air Force over Europe. He retired from the Air Force in 1959, yet remained active in many technical fields. Doolittle was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1967. He was eventually promoted to general in 1985. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 96.

CONDITION:

Typed Letter Signed. Very good condition. One page, on personal letterhead with Mutual of Omaha Building in Los Angeles, California address. Dated July 3, 1969. Signed "J. H. Doolittle." in blue ink at the bottom of the letter. Letter is not trimmed and the paper is clean and without toning or spots. Letter measures 10 1/2” H x 7 1/4” W.

A matte-finish photograph. Very good condition. With “Courtesy of Mutual of Omaha” printed in black script in the bottom left corner. Photo is signed and inscribed by Doolittle, "To Gary Lorentz: With Every Good Wish. J. H. Doolittle" in the upper left corner in blue ballpoint. Inscription is legible, without fading. Photograph measures 10”H x 8” W.

The signed photograph and signed letter are archivally mounted and presented in a custom-built frame with acid-free mats, UV glass, and a plaque.

Framed Dimensions: 19 1/4" H x 26" W x 1 5/8" D.

Accompanied by our company’s letter of authenticity.