October 23, 1919 – Cleveland, Ohio
Frank A. Dickman joined the Air Mail Service on October 14, 1919 when he was 28 years old. The 5'10" pilot listed 710 flying hours on his application. He completed a flying course at Philadelphia School of Aviation and served as an Army flight instructor 1917 to 1918 at Arcadia Field, Miami, Florida.
He sold Buick automobiles in Philadelphia before the war. When he applied for the position as an Air Mail pilot, he was staying at the Philadelphia YMCA.
Almost immediately after he obtained a position, Dickman's family asked him to return home to help with a family crisis, the illness of his aunt. He registered LWOP, citing family needs, but was rejected. His supervisor Col. John A. Jordan had a reputation among pilots as a hard case and a bad manager. Dickman alluded to that reputation in a letter he wrote about his resignation.
Dear Sir: After refusing my request to visit a very sick relative of mine here had full intentions to report to Chicago, Illinois, On train stop at Toledo, O., got in touch with my folks, with the result that I considered the continuation of my trip to Chicago out of the question, realizing that this meant losing my position after the humane ultimatum you were so considerate to give me.
With this in view, I hereby tender my resignation, to take effect at once. It has always been my policy where serious sickness threatens, and in the vicinity, to answer summons, and I have never been denied this humane request, except in this instance. I don't think you were fair in this instance, and from deductions made of your general makeup and character, I can readily see where sympathy is lacking in you, and which is so admirably portrayed in big men. Please bear this in mind, Mr. Jordan I did not except a cent for the time I was off duty.
I can show you a fine record in the Army, held responsible positions before joining the Service, and can furnish A1 references, and been fortunate in working for people that were reasonable.
It don't seem fair to the Post Office Department not to have realized on me, and had I remained in the Service would have made up for lost time, due to a great extent in being transferred from one place to another. Was anxious to set up an enviable record which I would be proud of, but unfortunately this was denied me.
Have mileage book which I will send to you tomorrow.
Sorry we could not get together, and best regards to McCutchen, Mac and the rest.
Jordan got the last word on Dickman's case. He forwarded papers to airmail headquarters recommending the pilot's separation as of November 2, 1919 for "failure to report to duty."
