UAH Archives, Special Collections, and Digital Initiatives

Browse Items (213 total)

  • spc_nick_000559_000560.pdf

    Nickerson writes to Bell about Bell's upcoming trip to Panama in May, 1958. He offers advice for travelling to Panama and various things to expect. He also asks Bell to type the enclosed letter to journalist Drew Pearson, and he called Nickerson asking for the trial record.
  • spc_nick_000089_000090.pdf

    McDonald expresses interest in John C. Nickerson's case to Bell in this letter. He explains that he heard about the case from a friend, Ralph Wiltsie, who served under Colonel Nickerson during World War II. McDonald writes that Wiltsie is under the impression that the counsel will want to call him as a trial witness.
  • spc_nick_000039_000040.pdf

    Almond writes in reponse to Bell's February 18 letter regarding Medaris and other information of the Nickerson case.
  • spc_nick_000545_000545.pdf

    This letter thanks Bell for the courtesy extended to Almond and Major Fergusson's visit to his office and expresses well wishes to Bell's wife. Almond details a few aspects of his stay in Huntsville in this letter.
  • spc_nick_000395_000395.pdf

    Ayers writes to Bell about an article written in The Anniston Star about him and the Nickerson trial and congratulates Bell for getting Nickerson "out as light as he did."
  • spc_nick_000435_000435.pdf

    Ayers writes regarding a wire from General Edward Almond to the National Department of the American Legion "calling on Eisenhower to exonerate our good friend Colonel John Nickerson."
  • spc_nick_000556_000556.pdf

    Lucas writes concerning an enclosed document and thoughts regarding Colonel Medaris and the Nickerson case that had closed earlier that year. He closes by thanking Bell and his wife for their hospitality during his last stay in Huntsville.
  • spc_nick_000379_000379.pdf

    Evins writes to Bell of his interest in his involvement in the Nickerson case due to serving with both him and Ray H. Jenkins in the military.
  • spc_nick_000394_000394.pdf

    Barry writes to Bell to inform him that the Nickerson case has been transcribed and was forwarded to Washington the previous day. He expresses gratitude towards the manner in which Bell extended to him and hopes to renew their acquaintance in the future.
  • spc_nick_000417_000417.pdf

    Moore sends another case to Bell hoping it will be of interest to him in the Nickerson case.
  • spc_nick_000036_000037.pdf

    Jenkins writes in response to Bell's March 22 letter, addressing the various information that was included in Bell's letter and his ability to visit Huntsville for nine days to help prepare for the trial.
  • spc_nick_000391_000392.pdf

    Jenkins writes after the trial of Colonel Nickerson, stating that he is completely relaxed and trying to get back into office routine. He approximates the expenses in the Nickerson case and says that his fee would be satisfactory as the amount agreed upon by Nickerson and Bell. He concludes by stating that Nickerson came out of the trial "unscathed and unscarred" and sends his best to Bell and his wife. The Nickerson trial ended with the dropping of the Espionage Act and perjury charges in exchange for 15 minor counts of mishandling defense information. Nickerson was fined $1,500, reprimanded, and forbidden to exercise his command for a year. He was later sent to a military base in Panama and died in a car crash a few years later.
  • spc_nick_000542_000544.pdf

    This letter includes an attached letter from Martindale-Hubbell, Inc. which "speaks for itself" regarding the subject Jenkins in writing about. He states that he is writing Bell in "strictest confidence." The letter from Martindale-Hubbell, Inc. details a confidential report on Keller Smith submitted by Jenkins on July 5, 1957. It also includes information regarding Robert K. Bell's "rating" and that it has "not gone without our attention."
  • spc_nick_000554_000555.pdf

    Jenkins writes to Bell in response to a previous letter. They frequently exchange humorous stories through correspondence and Jenkins states that he will tell another when they meet in person again. Jenkins also expresses longing to get together with the entire defense counsel and their families and looks forward to doing so.
  • spc_nick_000561_000561.pdf

    Jenkins writes to Bell about Drew Pearson's book, U.S.A.--Second-Class Power?, of which, he mentions, has an entire chapter on Colonel Nickerson.
  • spc_nick_000421_000421.pdf

    Satterthwaite writes to Bell to aid him in the Nickerson case by providing suggestions for testimony and information regarding the information regarding the missile program, including its financial situation and impact if switched from the Army to the Air Force.
  • spc_nick_000396_000396.pdf

    Bob Jones writes to Bell to congratulate him on the "splendid work" he did on the Nickerson case.
  • spc_nick_000332_000332.pdf

    Editor-in-Chief of Sagamore Press Inc., Publishers, Robert Smith, writes to Bell to say that his publishing company would be interested in Bell and Nickerson's story if they ever wish to write a book on it and the guided missles program.
  • spc_nick_000112_000112.pdf

    Nichols writes to Bell to inform him of the supoena he received to appear in court on July 2nd. He states that he will proceed as requested unless he hears from Bell with other instructions.
  • spc_nick_000569_000570.pdf

    Webster writes saying he thinks Wilson does a good job running the nation's defense system and because of that, Webster asks Wilson to evaluate Nickerson's performance of duty and would feel "thoroughly disillusioned to see such a 1st class officer sacked."
  • spc_nick_000638_00639.pdf

    Nickerson writes to the Chief of Manpower requesting a re-assignment on a temporary basis following his recent trial by court-martial at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. Nickerson reported back to duty on July 11, 1957 and writes that his newly assigned duties are "of relatively no importance to the Army of to ABMA." Nickerson requests a new assignment that allows him back at Redstone Arsenal.
  • spc_nick_000017_000018.pdf

    This letter details the committee's agreement with Nickerson's actions, believing he was acting "for what he thought was the best interest of the national defense." They advocate for the inclusion of the Army Ballistic Missile Agency team on the intermediate-range ballistic missile program. The committee states that trial by court-martial would not reflect the many accomplishments Nickerson has made for the Army weapon program and feel it unnecessary.
  • spc_nick_000034_000035.pdf

    In this letter, it is requested that May 13-17, 1957 be set as the dates of the Nickerson trial. It then details the reasons for these specific dates.
  • spc_nick_000041_000042.pdf

    The Defense Counsel writes to the Commanding General, Third United States Army requesting "top secret clearance for all members of the General Court Martial, the Court Reporter, and the Civilian Counsel n the case of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr."
  • spc_nick_000077_000088.pdf

    This letter from the Defense Counsel requests a continuance of the trial of Colonel John C. Nickerson due to the counsel still waiting on a response to their request for top secret clearance for access to pertinent information for the trial and the delay of the release of the pre-trial investigation to the civilian defense counsel. A letter from John Nickerson follows, detailing how without top secret clearance, he is unable to provide his civilian counsel with "essential components of the real issues in my defense without divulging information that is now classified." Multiple copies are included.
  • spc_nick_000119_000119.pdf

    Jenkins writes to Major General Crump Gavin citing his personal reasons why the Commanding General should approve the defense counsel's request for a continuance.
  • spc_nick_000113_000118.pdf

    The Defense Counsel writes to the Commanding General, Third United States Army, requesting a continuance of trial of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr., citing the failure of the government to approve their request for top secret clearance as the reason. The defense counsel details how the clearance is vital to Nickerson's defense.
  • spc_nick_000213_000216.pdf

    This letter is the first request of a continuance of the trial of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr. by the defense counsel due to waiting on top secret clearance for information pertinent to the case and other various reasons.
  • spc_nick_000428_000428.pdf

    Moss writes in response to the defense counsel's request of March 25, 1957 for information from the House Government Information Subcommittee. Moss states that all published hearings and reports on the subject are being mailed separately.
  • spc_nick_000111_000111.pdf

    The defense counsel believes that the Commanding General or Convening Authority is both the accuser and the reviewer in the proceeding. Bell asks Perry in this letter for any "citations" on that particular point.
  • spc_nick_000067_000067.pdf

    Zimmer writes to Lt. Colonel Willaim G. Barry with the stipulations that will not be accepted in the case of Colonel John C. Nickerson.
  • spc_nick_000068_000068.pdf

    This letter requests a pre-trial conference be held on the 26th or 27th of April, 1957.
  • spc_nick_000074_000076.pdf

    This letter requests William Nichols to be present at the trial as a defense witness and a written statement from Nichols to detail what his testimony would be. The letter includes questions for Nichols to answer in the written statement.
  • spc_nick_000224_000226.pdf

    Letter requests William Nichols' presence at the trial of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr. It also includes questions Nichols is to answer in a written statement and an anticipated range of dates he will be expected to give his testimony in court.
  • spc_nick_000566_000568.pdf

    Webster sends three copies of the same letter to Congressman Frederic Coudert, Jr., Senator Irving M. Ives, and Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker, asking them to take "an immediate active interest in the pending army court martial" of Colonel John C. Nickerson. He testifies to Nickerson's character and his value to the national defense system.
  • spc_nick_000342_000361.pdf

    Ray Jenkins sends the same letter to various senators in Washington D.C. in an effort to speed up the approval of top secret clearance for the defense counsel and advocate for non-judicial punishment for Colonel Nickerson rather than court-martial. He summarizes Nickerson's efficiency reports as well. Jenkins concludes by asking if the senator would convey the message and thinking of the defense counsel to the Secretary of Defense, Mr. Wilson.
  • spc_nick_000107_000110.pdf

    This submitted list of additional witness was in addition to the list submitted on April 25, 1957.
  • spc_nick_000212_000212.pdf

    List of names include Dr. Wernher von Braun, Dr. Ernest Stuhlinger, Lt. Gen. Edward M. Almond, Mayor Ralph Wiltsie, and more.
  • spc_nick_000256_000258.pdf

    List of names pertaining to the Nickerson case include Dr. Wernher von Braun, Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger, and Dr. Charles A. Lundquist among others.
  • spc_nick_000061_000062.pdf

    This memo details an upcoming trip to Washington and the scheduled appointments with various senators and military officials in regard to the Nickerson case. The memo states that it would be preferred is all charges and specifications dropped and consider a reinvestigation and punishment. It includes other information regarding the case.
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