ROSECOE TURNER (September 29, 1895 –
June 23, 1970) was, arguably, the most notable and, certainly, the most
colorful air racer during the 1930s. Born
in Corinth, MA, his name became synonymous with speed.
After serving as a
balloon pilot during World War I, Turner found his future in the 1920s as a
stuntman, creator of his own flying circus, and a pilot in Howard Hughes’ World
War I feature, “Hell’s Angels.” Turner glided smoothly into movie society,
becoming good friends with fellow pilot and actor Wallace Beery and taking
movie stars Clark Gable and Fred MacMurray for their first airplane rides.
His place in flight
history rested on his skill as a racing pilot. He is the only person ever to
win the Thompson Trophy three times and, along with Jimmy Doolittle, to win
both the Thompson and Bendix trophies. In 1934, he and his two-man crew were
the only Americans to finish the grueling London-to-Melbourne race.
After his retirement
from racing in 1939, he stayed close to aviation technology as a pilot, founder
of a regional airline, director of a school for pilots and mechanics, operator
of an aircraft servicing company, and as a persuasive voice for public support
of military and commercial aviation.
HERBERT O. FISHER (March 6, 1909 – July
29, 1990) was an American test pilot an aviation executive who oversaw aviation
projects at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He flew as a pilot
for more than 50 years. President
Franklin Roosevelt awarded him the Air Medal for the combat missions he flew
during World War II.
One page, 7 ¼” x 10”
TLS to Herb Fisher, The Port of New York Authority, November 5, 1963 on his
letterhead with his family crest.
“Thank you, pal, for
sending me the Pratt & Whitney ‘Powerplant’ with the article on the new
Beechcraft. I went to the factory last Thursday to take delivery of an 80, and
they are coming along pretty good with getting the King Air ready to fly. I
would say that she ought to be in the air within the next 30 to 60 days. That
will give us the story. Of course, as you know, they are flying the Army
version now, but it is a non-pressurized job.
“I am attaching some
of my propaganda (not present) you might like to read.
“Donna joins me in
sending our best. However, she is not so good herself. She has a terrible cold
and hasn’t been sleeping well.”
“Sincerely,
“Roscoe”
Folds with a file
notation in red at the top. Otherwise excellent condition and a great piece of
aviation Americana with a very nice family coat of arms.
Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever
to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a
problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately
(617-236-4893). Our goal is please every customer. We are pleased to be members of The
Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club and The Ephemera
Society. [A102]