(1895-1993) First Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division during WWII, leading it in action in Sicily, Italy, and Normandy, before taking command of the 17th Airborne Corps in 1944. By the end of 1945, he commanded troops in the Battle of the Bulge, Operation Varsity, and the Western Allied invasion of Germany. Typed letter, on the 'United States Army, The Chief of Staff' letterhead, addressed to Colonel Jean L. Wood, dated July 27th, 1954, reads in part, '... I was extremely distressed by the news of your illness... best wishes for your speedy recovery...' Signed in blue ink, centerfold, small hole in Ridgeways' name. 7 x 9 inches. With the original mailing envelope addressed to Colonel Jean L. Wood. From the personal collection of Art Beltrone. Also including a letter from Jean MacArthur, the wife of General Douglas MacArthur, addressed to Major Childs, dated July 6th, 1966, reads in part, '... I am sorry to be so late in thanking you for your letter... I have just returned from another visit to Norfolk... I do hope some time our paths will cross again.' Typed letter on the Mrs. Douglas MacArthur letterhead, signed in blue ink. Centerfold, 6 x 8 inches. With the original mailing envelope addressed to Major Ralph M. Childs. From the ex-collection of Art Beltrone.