Rare signed book personally presented to the original recipient by John F. Kennedy during his 1946 Congressional campaign: As We Remember Joe. Privately printed in an edition of 250. Cambridge, Massachusetts: University Press, 1945. Hardcover bound in red cloth with gilt lettering, 6.25 x 9.25, 75 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page in fountain pen, "For Bill, who flew with Joe, from, Jack Kennedy." The back of the book’s final page was initially signed by Kennedy, who, annoyed upon learning that he had signed the book upside down, smeared out the original inscription, flipped the book, and signed on the presented first free end page. Housed in a matching custom slipcase. Autographic condition: fine, with a light diagonal crease passing through the tail end of Kennedy's signature. Book condition: VG/None, with aforementioned staining to rear endpaper and crease to signed page, slightly bumped corners, and minor rubbing to extremities.
Accompanied by a typed excerpt of a provenance letter from William F. Holzapfel, which reads: “Joe Kennedy (A. N. S. Naval Pilot) was based in Dunkswell, England in 1943-1944 as a pilot of a 4 engine ‘Liberator’ (B-24) bomber attached to Squadron V. P. B. 110, under Fleet Air Wing Seven.
I was a (H. S. Naval Aerial Gunner) based in Dunkswell, England in 1943-1944 flying missions as a Combat Aerial Gunner in a 4 engine ‘Liberator’ (B. 24) bomber attached to Squadron V. P. B. 103, under Fleet Air Wing Seven.
I knew Joe well. He was a good officer and friend.
Three bombing squadrons of approximately 15 aircraft a piece comprised the Wing. Bombing Squadrons 103, 105 and 110.
Jack Kennedy (the late president) had heard of me after the war when he was campaigning for Congress. He invited me to his rooms at the Hotel Belleview in Boston to meet me. I went gladly, bringing with me photos of our place overseas, (Dunkswell) plus aerial photos of our Wing and Sections of it in formation, etc. He accepted these with tears in his eyes and presented me with the book ‘As We Remember Joe.’ An odd event occurred then: he was so upset about me bringing the pictures he first autographed the book on the ‘back cover’ then realizing his error he erased this and then on the front cover inscribed ‘to Bill who flew with Joe,’ Jack Kennedy.”
In August 1944, Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., was killed in action during World War II when his plane exploded over England. Hoping to honor his brother, JFK solicited contributions of the reminiscences of family and friends of Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., collected and published as a 1945 Christmas gift for members of the Kennedy family and Joe's close friends. In his foreword, Kennedy excuses those who might not have contributed because they 'are at this time fighting around the globe—or have, like Joe, died.' A highly sought-after book, signed by a young John F. Kennedy as a tribute for one of his brother's wartime comrades.
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