An Archive Concerning Lieutenant Frederic E. Humphreys, The First Army Officer To Fly Solo. These Letters Mention The Thirtieth Anniversary Of His Historic Flight

Archive. 7 pieces. 1938 to 1939. A grouping of seven pieces concerning Frederic E. Humphreys, the first Army officer to fly solo. These pieces, arranged in chronological order, mention the thirtieth anniversary of Humphreys first flight.1) TLS. 1pp. 8 x 10. July 18, 1938. War Department. A typed letter signed J Totten on War Department letterhead concerning Special Recognition for Colonel F.E. Humphreys: Reference is made to your letter of November 12, 1937, recommending that some form of special recognition be awarded Colonel Frederic E. Humphreys, New York National Guard, for being the first officer of the United States Regular Army to fly a plane aloneit is proposed to make a suitable award to Colonel Humphreys. By order of the Secretary of War.2) TL. 1pp. 8 x 10. July 18, 1938. War Department. A typed letter that is an unsigned copy of #1.3) TDS. 1pp. 8 x 10. August 3, 1938. No place. A typed letter signed Ames T. Brown, indicating that he mailed a letter to Louis L. Pendleton concerning the 30th anniversary of the flight.4) TD. 1pp. 8 x 10. August 4, 1938. Camp Smith, Peekskill. A typed document, mentioning that it is to be addressed to Colonel Louis L. Pendleton.5) ALS. 1pp. 8 x 10. August 23 38. New York City. An autograph letter signed L.L. Pendleton Colonel addressed to Lieutenant Humphreys: Please not attached papers, which please return to me at your convenience. The Mills of the Gods grind slow it would seem but better late than never also applies. I hope I will be around next summer to see what they really do then!6) TLS. 1pp. 7 x 9. April 5, 1939. Aberdeen Proving Ground. A typed letter signed C.M. on Office of the Commanding Officer Aberdeen Proving Ground stationery. He wrote to Humphreys: It certainly was nice to get your pleasant letter of April 3rdmy memory is quite clear as to the time you and Lahm were trying out the first Wright airplane. I am glad you enjoyed the bulletin, or class letter, but I prepared it quite a while before it was issued and made some serious omissionsThere is a good article in the Sperryscope Vol 8, no 10, just out, by Lahm, which mentions the trying experience of your pamphlet. Call up the Sperryscope Co. and get a copy from Gillmor, who is an old friend of mine. Lahm received the first flying lesson, but Humphreys made the first solo flight, just before Lahm made his flight.7) Card. 1pp. No date. Governors Island, NY. A card imprinted Colonel Earl McFarland, and written on in pencil My best wishes and I hope to see you soon. Governors Island NY.