Description
First edition of Risks: The Key to Combat Intelligence by Elias Carter Townsend, inscribed to Admiral John S. McCain, Jr.
Octavo, xii, 82pp. Illustrated paperback, title in black on spine. Stated “First Edition, August 1955” on copyright page. Solid text block, light rubbing to edges of covers, faint creasing to spine, a near fine example. Inscribed on the half-title “To: Admiral McCain – with high professional esteem, all good wishes, and warm regards – Carter Townsend / Saigon 25 Feb 70.”
Admiral John S. McCain, Jr. (1911-1981) served in the United States Navy for 45 years. He was the son of Admiral John S. McCain, Sr., a four-star admiral who commanded South Pacific aircraft operations in World War II, and the father of Senator John McCain. During the Vietnam War, Admiral McCain was Commander-in-Chief of all U.S. forces in the Vietnam theater and an ardent supporter of the Vietnamization policy of President Nixon. McCain retired in 1972 and died of a heart attack in 1981. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
