Typed letters signed collection featuring responses from two iconic figures – tennis champion Arthur Ashe and former Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. Each letter, originally sent by collector Jack R. Bol inquiring about the personal impact of military service, bears a remarkable handwritten reply.
On December 27, 1989, Ashe replies with a poignant memory from his Army service:
“My most vivid memory is as a young lieutenant stationed at the USMA at WEST POINT, 1967–68, and sometimes seeing 2 funerals a day there – of second lieutenants (‘West Point graduates’) killed in Vietnam.”
On December 17, 1990, McNamara reflects in his own hand, dated January 8, 1991:
“It was difficult but satisfying – I believe every individual should serve his nation when the opportunity to do so is presented. Robert S. McNamara
Two poignant and deeply personal insights into the Vietnam era – one from a world-renowned athlete and humanitarian, the other from the architect of U.S. defense policy – offered together in a single lot, pairing unique handwritten remarks with signed letters.
Each letter measures 8.5" x 11".
Arthur Ashe Jr. (July 10, 1943 – February 6, 1993) was an American professional tennis player who won three Grand Slam singles titles. He was the first Black player selected to the United States Davis Cup team and the only Black man ever to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open.
Robert S. McNamara (June 9, 1916 – July 6, 2009) was an American businessman and government official who served as the eighth United States Secretary of Defense from 1961 to 1968 under presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson at the height of the Cold War. He remains the longest-serving secretary of defense, having remained in office over seven years.
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