DS, signed “Hunter Thompson,” one page, 8 x 10.5, July 9, 1956. A Military Personnel Base Clearance Record, TTAF (Technical Training Air Force) Form 104, issued for the departure of “Thompson, Hunter S.,” from the 3327th STURON (Student Squadron) Air Force Base to be reassigned to “3201st CMN Sq., Elgin AFB, Fla.” The application lists Thompson’s Air Force service number and his grade “A/2c” [Airman 2C], with four lower sections approved and initialed by his various officers. Signed at the conclusion in black ink by Thompson, who checks a box affirming that he does “not have a report of survey pending against me this date. I have completed all board proceedings for which I have been detailed.” In fine condition, with some creasing, and rusty staple holes to the upper left corner. Encapsulated in a Beckett authentication holder.
Boasting a rare full signature, this spectacularly early document predates and presages Thompson’s entrance into the world of journalism. This very departure form greenlit Thompson’s transfer to Eglin Air Force Base near Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where he soon began taking evening classes at Florida State University. It was also at Eglin that Thompson landed his first professional writing job as sports editor of The Command Courier—a post he obtained by embellishing his resume.
As sports editor, Thompson traveled around the country with the Eglin Eagles football team and moonlighted with other local publications. According to Thompson: ‘At one point, in Florida, I was writing variations on the same demented themes for three competing papers at the same time, under three different names.’ His given name did not appear in these publications because Air Force regulations forbade outside employment
In 1958, as an airman first class, the Air Force had had their fill of Thompson, with his commanding officer recommending him for an early honorable discharge. ‘In summary, this airman, although talented, will not be guided by policy,’ chief of information services Colonel William S. Evans wrote to the Eglin personnel office. ‘Sometimes his rebel and superior attitude seems to rub off on other airmen staff members.’
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