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May 23, 1947

Mr. Siler Freeman
The Detroit Times
1370 Cass Avenue
Detroit 26, Michigan

Dear Siler:

Attached are remarks which will be made at the Economic Club luncheon, Monday, May 26, 1947, by Malcolm Ferguson, President of Bendix, in presenting a plaque to Colonel Leon W. Gray, Commanding Officer of the 12th Reconnaissance Squadron of the AAF at March Field, California.

Colonel Gray is flying the entire 12th Reconnaissance Squadron from California to Selfridge Field on Sunday. This may be the first time the AAF has moved an entire squadron across the country.

The Bendix Trophy goes each year to the plane making the fastest time from Los Angeles to the National Air Races in Cleveland.  It was first flown in 1931. The winner then was "Major" Jimmy Doolittle who covered the 2,050 miles at 223 miles per hour.  Colonel Gray has now raised the record to 572 miles per hour.

I am attaching a photograph of the plaque.

Sincerely, 
BENDIX AVIATION CORPORATION

W.A Mara, Director
Advertising and Publicity

WAM:HNK