Description:

John F. Kennedy TLS with Related Letters Re: Death of a Naval Soldier

A John F. Kennedy typed letter signed, 1p, measuring 8" x 10.5", Washington, D.C., dated June 30, 1955. Signed "John Kennedy" and addressed to Richard S. Kelley on U.S. Senate letterhead. The letter responds to Kelly's request on behalf of Joseph W. Heenehan, a naval reserve soldier who passed away. Kelley sought to secure benefits for the family, and Kennedy responds, in part: "Judge John Connelly of the Boston Juvenile Court had contacted me previously on this same case, and I have been in touch with the Department of the Navy in an effort to be of assistance in this matter. I am now awaiting a report from the Judge Advocate General's office and as soon as I hear further, I will keep you informed of developments…"

The letter is accompanied by nine other letters, reflecting Kelly's attempts to grant survivor benefits for Heenehan's family. Letters included are written by John P. Morgan, Richard S. Kelley, Lee C. White, and Herbert S. Atkinson. There is a June 21, 1955 Statement of Facts regarding Lt. Heenehan's death. He had been killed on June 6 in a car accident, leaving a widow and three small children, with a fourth on the way. Due to the fact that he was not killed in the line of duty, but driving home from drill, the benefits due to his family were in dispute. The statement concludes, "Without going into details it can be safely said that the surviving family will have great financial hardship in the years ahead." With this bleak determination, it is no wonder Kelley was so moved to help the family. He wrote to Kennedy (attn. Timothy Reardon) on June 27, 1955, writing: "…the question arises whether or not the circumstances of his death permit his family to receive the benefits set up under Public Law 108 or the Naval Reserve Act of 1938…it is believed that his family has no assets other than what might come from Social Security. It certainly is a most tragic case, and if anything can be done, they would be most appreciative."

The signed Kennedy letter has flattened mail folds and edge toning. Boldly signed in black ink. The other letters have varying degrees of toning, with some areas of edge chipping. Some have flattened folds and a few pages have been stapled together. Overall very good. Kennedy served as a Massachusetts Senator from 1953 to 1960, before running for president. In honor of Lt. Heenehan's service and death, the Boston Navy Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association created the Joseph W. Heenehan award.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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