Description:

Wernher von Braun, "I am very busy helping put a man on the moon" 

Typed Letter Signed, "Wernher von Braun", 1p, as Director, on NASA stationery, 8" x 10.5", Huntsville, January 6, 1964. White-out has been placed over the recipient's name and part of their address. Notations at top in blue ballpoint in an unknown hand. Light smudge to the "her" of "Wernher". Expected folds and minor creasing; else, near fine condition with a bold signature. With Letters of Authenticity from both James Spence Authentication and Zarelli Space Authentication.

Von Braun writes to an undisclosed Board Chairman with the ultimate declaration he would achieve five years later.

The letter, in part:

"I was delighted to hear that you enjoyed my speech at Ponte Vedra...Your hunting invitation sounds very intriguing. I am always interested in hunting and would like very much to be able to accept your wonderful offer. However, for the time being, I must ask for a rain check since I am very busy helping put a man on the moon." 

Wernher von Braun (1912-1977) was a German-American aerospace engineer and space architect. He was a member of the Nazi Party and SS, as well as the leading figure in the development of rocket technology in Nazi Germany and a pioneer of rocket and space technology in the United States. Following World War II, von Braun was secretly moved to the United States, along with about 1,600 other German scientists, engineers, and technicians, as part of Operation Paperclip. He worked for the United States Army on an intermediate-range ballistic missile program. In 1960, his group was assimilated into NASA, where he served as director of the newly formed Marshall Space Flight Center. In 1967, von Braun was inducted into the National Academy of Engineering, and in 1975, he received the National Medal of Science.

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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