Bernhard Hohmann: Important Personal Documents Detailing Luftwaffe Scientists Admission into America in 1945, "Paperclip Specialists" (1916-1984) Brilliant engineer and glider pilot prior to WWII, Bernhard Hohmann joined the Luftwaffe and became a pilot at Peenemuende, making 37 test flights of the Messerschmitt Me 163 Komet fighter and its various
unpowered prototypes. Offered is a remarkable and fascinating file broadly known as Operation Paperclip.
Document 1.) After the war Hohmann surrendered to the Americans and on September 19, 1946 he along with 25 other German nationals were flown to the United States, Fort Dix, New Jersey
reporting upon arrival to the Port Commander, Port of Debarkation for temporary duty for the purpose of carrying out their assigned mission. Upon completion of this duty, the civilians named below will be returned to this theater" This text from an original, two-page document in this lot
Document 2.) Memorandum To: German and Austrian Scientists dated June 30, 1947, Wright Field, Ohio employed by this Command. This document outlines the rather security procedures regarding mail from the United to Germany and Austria. Included in the procedures
the scientists and dependants under present War Department Regulations, the sending of cigarettes to Germany and Austria is prohibited. The War Department has requested this Command to remind all scientists that mail regulations must be strictly compiled (sic) with and violations of regulations may result in the cancellation of employment and return to Europe. Document reveals the location that many of these German/Austrian scientists did serve at Wright Field, Ohio.
Document 3.) Vintage original copy by Treasury Department dated Oct. 15, 1945 the authorization to pay the German and Austrian Nationals $200 per month
Document 4.) November 1, 1947 All German and Austrian Paperclip Specialist. While again another regulations memo regarding mailing of packages this is the first instance in the Hohmann archive that addresses by name those nationals that came to the states under the banner Operation Paperclip
Document 5.) November 3, 1947 Memo of change of quarters at Wright Field again "All Paperclip Specialists" moving them to larger quarters and being charged $5 .
Document 6.) Large file involving US Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service to
Mrs. Irmgard Hohman "for the privilege of preexamination for the purpose of facilitating your entry into Canada to secure an immigration visa with which to reenter the United States lawfully for permanent residence. Also includes similar paperwork for Bernard Hohman for path to citizenship.
Document 7.) Dated Feb 3. 1953 Restricted Security Information for
Hohmann to travel from Wright AFB to Germany for the purpose of "xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx" and upon completion return to Wright-Patterson AFB, OhioAlso included is a radio interview from May 1962 by Dick Wall April, May 1962 on KGBS 7" reel to reel tape in excellent condition.
This is a significant trove of original documents and letters outlining (much in German, untranslated) a remarkable and possibly unsettling chapter of American history that was the post-War resettling of German and Austrian Luftwaffe scientists in the service of increasing military might in rocket research known as Operation Paperclip. We offer Bernhard Hohmann's extensive archive and his achievements for the US Military and Space Travel.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 3,000
From the Estate of Bernard "Ben" Hohmann, WWII Luftwaffe German Test Pilot and Jet Engine Designer, Operation Paperclip, Decades Long Air Force and NASA Consultant.
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