WERNHER VON BRAUN Autograph PEENEMUNDE V-2 Rocket Colleague Letter Signed * PSA

German and American aerospace engineer Dr. WERNHER VON BRAUN fascinating, authentic autograph typewritten letter signed on his personal letterhead dated November 3, 1964 concerning the recruitment of one of his former Peenemünde rocket colleagues for Europe's fledgling space program. With original mailing envelope.

Peenemünde was Germany’s World War II secret rocket research center where von Braun’s team developed the V-2, the world’s first long-range guided ballistic missile and a technological precursor to the rockets that ushered in the Space Age.

Writing from his home in Huntsville, Alabama at the height of NASA's Apollo/Saturn program, von Braun personally intervenes on behalf of German engineer Hans Westphal, whom he had known from their years together at Peenemünde. At the time, von Braun was serving as the first Director of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.

In the accompanying letter to a senior West German government official, von Braun describes Westphal as an outstanding specialist in inertial guidance and gyroscope development and recommends him “in the strongest possible terms” for a position with ELDO (European Launcher Development Organisation), then developing Europe's pioneering Europa rocket. 

An extraordinary Cold War/Space Race document directly linking von Braun, Peenemünde and the V-2 era with the emerging European space program that would ultimately lead to today's European Space Agency.

Von Braun's signed letter to Westphal, in full:

"Dipl.-Ing. Hans Westphal
39 rue François-Gérard
Paris 16e, France
Dear Mr. Westphal,
Enclosed you will find a copy of my letter of today to Ministerialdirigent Max Mayer, who is responsible in the Federal Ministry for Scientific Research for the space program.
Since I am not able to bring about or advocate your transfer from the Ministry of Defense to ELDO through direct channels, I have called your case to the attention of Mr. Mayer, who recently spoke with me about the existing difficulties in recruiting specialists for the German space program.
I hope that he will find the means and a way to pry you loose, and I wish you “Hals- und Beinbruch” for the planned undertaking.
With best regards,
Yours,
Wernher von Braun
Enclosure"

NOTE: English translations are provided for reference only and are believed to be accurate; minor differences in wording or interpretation are possible. 

Von Braun's (unsigned) letter of recommendation, in full:

"November 3, 1964
To Ministerial Director
Dipl.-Ing. Max Mayer
Federal Ministry for Scientific Research
532 Bad Godesberg / West Germany
Dear Mr. Mayer,
During your recent visit to Huntsville, among other things you spoke of the difficulties you are having in finding suitable specialists for the German space program who are not yet so set in their ways that they lack all initiative. I was reminded of this conversation when, a few days ago, I received a letter from a good acquaintance who asked me to support his transfer from the German Ministry of Defense to ELDO.
The gentleman in question is Dipl.-Ing. Hans Westphal, 39 rue François-Gérard, Paris 16e, who since 1960 has been working in the field of defense-related activities at NATO in Paris, but who would very much like to accept a position that has been offered to him as “Project Officer/Germany” with ELDO. His problem is that, for such an assignment, he would either have to be granted a leave of absence by the Ministry of Defense or perhaps be transferred to your Ministry. This apparently presents some difficulties, since, given the existing shortage of qualified engineers, the Ministry of Defense is reluctant to give up personnel.
Unfortunately, I myself am naturally unable to pry Mr. Westphal loose from my end, but perhaps it would be possible for you to initiate the appropriate steps. In doing so, you would secure a first-rate colleague. Mr. Westphal worked with us for many years during the Peenemünde period. He was approximately my age. I know him personally as an outstanding specialist in the field of inertial guidance, gyroscope development, etc., whose employment in the European space program I would like to recommend in the strongest possible terms.
Perhaps you can contact him directly. I am sending him a copy of this letter for his information.
With best regards and best wishes — personally and professionally —
Yours,
Wernher von Braun"


The von Braun autograph letter has been thoroughly reviewed and CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION – your assurance of absolute authenticity. GUARANTEED GENUINE. 

Condition is as shown, consistent with age, use and handling.  The von Braun letter measures appx. 7.25" x 10.75". Please review images carefully for exact condition.

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Own a one of a kind, original piece of early Aerospace history! A must-have addition for any truly exceptional autograph collection.

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