Uncashed personal check, 8.5 x 3, filled out and signed “John F. Kennedy” as president, payable to the U.S. Air Force for $1350.00, April 5, 1962. The check has been voided in ink in another hand. Though the original purpose of the check remains a mystery, the Air Force played a prominent part in JFK’s 1962 State of the Union address. Among other pledges, Kennedy promised that “substantial other increases will boost our Air Force fighter units, the procurement of equipment, and our continental defense and warning efforts.” In November of the same year, Kennedy made a personal visit to the Homestead Air Reserve Base in Florida to present awards to the 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing and 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing in recognition of the crucial roles they played in uncovering evidence of Soviet bases during the Cuban Missile Crisis during the previous month. Perhaps ironically, on the same day that Kennedy wrote the check to the Air Force, the Army announced a 58,000-man cutback that included the elimination of four National Guard and four Army Reserve divisions. Tiny, faint paperclip stain to left edge, otherwise very fine condition. A scarce format for JFK! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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