Description:

CHESTER W. NIMITZ
(1885 - 1966) American admiral, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during World War II and largely responsible for the successful "island-hopping" campaign against the Japanese. Rare, fine content A.L.S. on his Fleet Admiral letterhead, 2pp. 4to., Berkeley, June 11, 1958, with a 9pp. typed printed speech marked "Confidential" twice, which Nimitz intended to give before the House Armed Services Committee, and containing extensive holograph additions. Both the letter and the speech were sent to noted journalist Robert R. Gros. The letter reads in part: "...I enclose a copy of the statement which I had prepared for Vinson's committee but did not use because I was not called. However, I may be called before the Senate Armed Forces Committee and so will use it. I am grateful that you will hold the paper secure. You are free, however, to help yourself to such of the ideas expressed if you believe in them...." The typed manuscript discusses modern weaponry and sets forth Nimitz's belief that each of the armed services should remain independent, that research pertaining to weapons and their use should be the responsibility of a civilian director, with each service being allowed to continue applied research in weapons and methods peculiar to that service. He notes: "...I am one of those 'obtuse admirals' who believes that if we should unfortunately engage in World War III in the predictable future...we will use many of the methods and in considerable part the same weapons, greatly improved of course, that we used in World War II....My great concern is that during all the experimentation now going on with missiles of all kinds, none of which have as yet proved themselves at long (over 200-300 miles) range, we will neglect the proved weapons of World War II. While there have been great advances, there have been only a few changes. Even the atom powered submarine has only a few improvements. It is a steam turbine driven ship with a reactor furnishing heat instead of a boiler. The British had steam driven subs in World War I, and long before that the Turks had a small steam driven sub...". Overall fine.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 14 - 21 days for shipments to arrive after receipt of payment due to the high volume of package being shipped.

July 7, 2015 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000