The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History Zeldes Page 1
Galesburg, Ill.
March 16, 1942.
Miss Le Hand
Washington, D.C. FOR THE PRESIDENT
Dear Miss LeHand I have read so much about you I feel I know you. But,
I beg your pardon that's another story. For now please clench your hands
grit your theeth (sic) and read the following rapidly (sic) and grimly;
I am not a ball player / I don't want out, I want IN. To date I have tried
to get into 1. Naval Reserve Class V6, rejecteted (sic) only because (no match-
ing molars) 2. Passed physical finger printed and interviewed by Douglass
Aircraft, Dayton, Ohio for Foreign Service. Two out of the five examined with
me from here have been accepted, for me nothing. Applied to Newfoundland
Base Contractors but nothing open.
Now, I am single 42 years old, 165 5 feet 6, and in fine health. I have had
two and half years of college education. I am and have been in business
for myself before during and since college. For eleven years I owned and
operated a drug store. I hold an Illinois State Apprentice License in
Pharmacy. As a pharmacist's mate in U S Naval Reserve Class V6 I was
turned down because of no opposing molars. I am sure I can serve in this
class. If I could keep myself, my sisters and mother all these years in
business, can it be I am no good for the Navy?
Now, Miss LeHand, won't you please have the President or any one else in
authority wire both me and Lt. David Goldenson USN Recruiting Station
Chicago, Ill to appoint me CPO Acting, thus enabling me to go to train-
ing school, then to active duty, which I so earnestly desire.
I do not know any Senators or their uncle I therefore apply directly to
the President. I sincerely pray you to give this your kind attention.
And if we are to have all out efforts please lets here. Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Harry A Zeldes
421 E. Main St.
PS
My Military Record;
1918 US Army Discharge from Students' Army Training Corps
1940 Special Course CMTC Ft Sheridan (my own expence (sic))
Now Sergeant Illinois Reserve Militia
