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German flying ace (1896–1941) whose 62 victories during WWI made him the country's second-highest scoring ace, outdone only by Manfred von Richthofen, his commander in the Flying Circus. Udet rose to become Squadron Commander under the Red Baron. ALS in German, one page, both sides, personal letterhead with silver-embossed ‘EU’ monogram, July 29, 1920. Addressed from Munich, a boldly penned handwritten letter to former enemy-side Frenchman Jacques Mortane (1883-1939) in Paris, an important aviation specialist and editor of the weekly ‘La Guerre Aerienne Illustree,’ which in 1919 became ‘La Vie Aerienne.’ Mortane was also an intimate friend of the Allied ace Rene Fonck, who was a witness at his wedding. In full (translated):
“Highly Esteemed Mr. Editor-in-Chief! At last I arrive at redeeming my promise. I hope that for you this photo of a Boche Ace, will become a remembrance of the aerial war on the other side! Moreover, I wanted to express my joy, that in the ‘Vie Aerienne No.’ having already been promoted from a ‘Boche Ace’ to a ‘German Ace,’ caused me great fun. I attach for you also, one more small picture of myself in a Rumpler DI, for which you perhaps may have use. In Germany the situation is becoming uglier by the day and soon it will be evident, that the Proletariat and those men who are our leaders, are not in the measure for their tasks. The conditions are unconscionable, and for a former soldier humiliating and vile. I am afraid, the worst is yet to come. I salute you.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a vintage German postcard photo of Udet in his aviation uniform and a photo of Udet posing with a Rumpler DI; the consignor attests that the photos were obtained with the letter and are, by reason of deduction, the very photos referenced in the letter.
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