Jimmy Carter Rare Signature as "James Earl Carter Jr.," Authorizing Release of Naval Medical Records Ahead of 1976 Presidential Election

A 1p typed letter signed by future 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter (born 1924) as "James Earl Carter Jr" at center right. Written on August 6, 1976 in Plains, Georgia. On a single leaf of cream stationery. Expected paper folds and light overall toning. Slightly darkened and chipped edges. Staple holes located in the upper left corner, else very good. 8.375" x 10.75."

Carter's signature as "James Earl Carter Jr" is unusual, in that he was known as "Jimmy" in the political arena. Yet this exception can be explained by considering that this was probably how Carter's name appeared in naval records, and how that information could be most easily retrieved.

In early August 1976, Jimmy Carter authorized the Bureau of Naval Personnel to release his complete personnel file, including all medical records, to a Missouri-based journalist named Robert H. Collins. Carter had been nominated at the Democratic Party Convention three weeks earlier, in mid-July 1976. This was only a few months ahead of the 1976 presidential election and fact-checking was in full swing.

Carter had been admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1943; he graduated from there in the 10th percentile of his class in 1946. Carter remained on active duty between 1946 and October 1953. He served in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets as well as in the submarine program. Even after resigning from active duty, Carter remained in the inactive U.S. Navy reserve until 1961. He eventually attained the rank of lieutenant.

Robert H. Collins (1917-2002) was an investigative reporter for 36 years at the "Atlanta Journal" and the "St. Louis Dispatch." According to Collins's obituary, his reporting was responsible for uncovering corruption, graft, corporate malfeasance, and organized crime syndicates in the Midwest. Carter's Navy records were probably much less interesting!

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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