July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
KING, Ernest Joseph (1878-1956) was Commander in Chief, United States Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations (COMINCH-CNO) during World War II. As COMINCH, he directed the United States Navy's operations, planning, and administration and was a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was the U.S. Navy's second most senior officer after Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy, and the second admiral to be promoted to five star rank. As COMINCH, he served under Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox and later under James Forrestal. Typed Letter Signed “Ernest J. King” 1pp. quarto, on Department of the Navy lettersheet, August 10, 1948, addressed to Charles Keith, with good military biographical content, it reads “During the Spanish War (1898) I was ordered to duty (being a ‘plebe’ at the Naval Academy) on board the ‘U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO’ (a cruiser) which was the flagship of the Patrol Squadron off the North Coast of Cuba. This Squadron was ordered to close up off Havana since we believed that some Spanish ships were trying to escape. At about five a.m. the batteries near Morro Castle opened up just as I was going on the flag-bridge. Captain Leary was all ready to leave his cabin; told his orderly ‘to get his cigarettes and camp-stool,’ and ran up on the bridge. The Captain decided not to fire because of the danger to civilians in the vicinity of the battery. He conned the ship using what later was well known as zig-zagging the ship and we were soon out of danger. However, that was my thrilling experience as that was the first time that I was under fire. I have been under fire several times - but, there is only one first time!...” Fine condition.
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