UAH Archives, Special Collections, and Digital Initiatives

Browse Items (215 total)

  • spc_nick_000292_000292.pdf

    Neumann calls Nickerson case a "personal matter" and writes that he is rooting for him and that he was the greatest Battalion Commander he had ever had.
  • spc_nick_000293_000295.pdf

    Nichols writes to Nickerson, reminiscing of their time in active duty together in various places and how he held Nickerson in "highest esteem." He expresses concern over charges that indicate espionage, stating that they are "without foundation." He offers to appear in Nickerson's behalf and recommends reaching out to Brigadier General Pickering as well.
  • spc_nick_000296_000296.pdf

    Harrison writes of Nickerson's character throughout the letter. He states that if he ever returned to the active list, he would try to obtain "his assignment to my command."
  • spc_nick_000297_000298.pdf

    Messick writes to encourage Nickerson in his case, stating that he is confident Nickerson did what he believed to be in the best interest of the Army.
  • spc_nick_000299_000300.pdf

    "Curly" writes in support of Nickerson and states that while someone else will have to decide if what he did was right or wrong, he "might be one of the best qualified people alive to testify in your behalf." The second half of the letter is handwritten and discusses personal events in "Curly's" life such as a new grandson and a family member in the Navy.
  • spc_nick_000301_000301.pdf

    Mayor Wiltsie writes to Nickerson in his defense, asking if he can be of any help in the trial such as testifying or giving a character witness.
  • spc_nick_000302_000302.pdf

    Sedrel writes on behalf of Nickerson's character, though "unacquainted with the details of this particular case."
  • spc_nick_000303_000304.pdf

    Moriarty offers his services as a witness during Nickerson's trial and why what he has to offer would be to their "mutual benefit." He encloses with the letter an outline of a complaint that may be beneficial to Nickerson's case as well as his own.
  • spc_nick_000305_000311.pdf

    Brownlow writes to give Nickerson the name of someone that would be interested in his case, Ray Jenkins, who would eventually join Nickerson's defense counsel with Robert K. Bell, along with two others. Nickerson responds, thanking Brownlow for the information. He expresses concern over financially securing Jenkins for his defense but hopes that Brownlow could still arrange a meeting in Knoxville, Tennessee. The third letter is a rough draft of Nickerson's response. Brownlow's second letter responds that she was able to get in touch with Ray Jenkins and left him with materials to read on Nickerson's case. Brownlow states she would get back to Nickerson as soon as he says "yes".
  • spc_nick_000312_000312.pdf

    In response to Grosse's letter to Dr. Wernher von Braun that had been sent to him, Nickerson thanks him for his offer of assistance in the case and asks if he would consent to appearing as a witness.
  • spc_nick_000313_000313.pdf

    This letter states that Nickerson sent two letters and a statement concerning member of the Court. However, this is the only letter in the collection.
  • spc_nick_000314_000314.pdf

    Sparkman thanks Nickerson for sending a booklet he had requested. He also requests Nickerson to send information on a long range flight conducted by ABMA directly to Erik Bergaust for an interview Bergaust did on Sparkman.
  • spc_nick_000316_000319.pdf

    To clarify his intentions of the actions he took that led him to be court-martial, John C. Nickerson, Jr. writes a detailed document outlining three points. This set of documents includes two drafts of his message.
  • spc_nick_000320_000324.pdf

    In response to the "problem created at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency" that would eventually lead to Colonel Nickerson's referral to a court-martial, the Third Army Advisory Committee writes this letter to inform the Commanding General that one of them, Robert K. Bell, had consented to being Nickerson's attorney as they see Nickerson's actions as being in the best interest of the national defense and Army.
  • spc_nick_000325_000325.pdf

    Pickering writes a general letter about Colonel John c. Nickerson, Jr.'s character, stating that Nickerson was a man of "sterling character" and an "intelligent and highly valuable officer."
  • spc_nick_000326_000326.pdf

    Written by John F. Roehm, this report covers a summary of reports of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr.'s efficiency from his former Battery Executive Officer and regimental basketball boach.
  • spc_nick_000327_000328.pdf

    Lawson writes a brief letter to Bell wishing him luck in the Nickerson case and saying he is the right person for the job. Bell responds calls the case a "Herculean one" and hopes he can fulfill the responsibility.
  • spc_nick_000329_000330.pdf

    Brown wishes Bell the best in the Nickerson case and expresses support for the Colonel. Bell's response thanks Brown for his support.
  • spc_nick_000331_000331.pdf

    Bell writes to thank Willis for his support in 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_000333_000334.pdf

    L. C. Walker, Nickerson's uncle by marriage, asks Bell if he and another uncle by marriage could be permitted to sit in on the hearing. Bell responds that they will have seating space for Walker and Mr. Scott.
  • spc_nick_000335_000337.pdf

    Cox writes to Bell asking if he could have the priviledge of reporting Nickerson's case, "unless other arrangements have been made." Cox includes his previous experience with court-martials. Bell responds by explaining that the defense counsel has little influence in the matters of appointing a court reporter.
  • spc_nick_000338_000338.pdf

    This letter is written to testify of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr.'s character. Hines writes that Nickerson showed himself to be "completely trustworth, security conscious, and loyal at all times."
  • spc_nick_000339_000340.pdf

    Roberts writes to Nickerson about his case, expressing interest and stating that by knowing Nickerson's relatives, he is sure Nickerson is anything but disloyal. Roberts also writes that he will be in Huntsville sometime and hopes to arrange to talk with Nickerson.
  • spc_nick_000341_000341_000375_000375.pdf

    Bell writes to Selden in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Selden replies stating he will pass the information "if the opportunity present[s] itself."
  • 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_000362_000362_000367_000367.pdf

    Bell writes to Sparkman in Washinton D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Sparkman thanks Bell for his letter from May 8 and responds that he has already been "dropping some suggestions" regarding Bell's hope to give Nickerson a non-judicial punishment rather than trial by court-martial.
  • spc_nick_000363_000363_000366_000366.pdf

    Bell writes to Hill in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Hill responds by thanking Bell for the letter and will do anything to help "along the lines of your suggestion."
  • spc_nick_000364_000364_000372_000372.pdf

    Bell writes to Elliott in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Marlowe writes to Bell on behalf of Congressman Elliott who is out of town and will respond to Bell's May 8 letter upon his return.
  • spc_nick_000365_000365_000371_000371.pdf

    Bell writes to Huddleston in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Huddleston responds stating his will "make a discreet request" to Secretary Brucker and General Maxwell.
  • spc_nick_000368_000368_000373_000373.pdf

    Bell writes to Grant in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Grant responds with interest and states that it looks as though the Army may "drop the Colonel Nickerson case by non-judicial punishment."
  • spc_nick_000369_000369_000374_000374.pdf

    Bell writes to Roberts in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Roberts responds that he has done everything he could on the matter.
  • spc_nick_000370_000370.pdf

    Bell writes to Bob Jones in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment.
  • spc_nick_000376_000378.pdf

    Jenkins writes to Ridgeway in response to his letter to Charles Zimmer that his testimony would not be relevant and admissible in the case of Colonel Nickerson. Jenkins details in his letter why Ridgeway should reconsider and awaits his reply with interest.
  • 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_000380_000380.pdf

    Webster writes to wish Bell and Nickerson good luck in the case and send copies of letters that may have information useful to the defense of Nickerson.
  • spc_nick_000381_000386.pdf

    This document contains various letters of appreciation received by Colonel Nickerson, efficiency reports, testimonies of Nickerson's character, certificates of achievement, and other services and recommendations pertaining to Nickerson.
  • spc_nick_000387_000388.pdf

    Green writes to Bell saying he saw him on the news following the Nickerson case and he hopes the results were to his satisfaction. Bell writes to Green in response saying he is pleased at the outcome of Nickerson's trial and asks Green to visit him if he is ever in North Alabama.
  • spc_nick_000389_000390.pdf

    Pritchard writes to Bell, sending a check for Colonel Nickerson to be used for any fines that would be imposed or for the expense of the defense of Nickerson. Bell responds with his sincere thanks and writes that he has given the check to Colonel Nickerson.
  • 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.
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