ERNIE BREECH

Ernie Breech is kind of a Horatio Alger of the Space Age. In fact that character did prove a definitive inspiration. Mr. Breech is (one is reminded constantly) the blacksmith's son from the Ozarks who became a General Motors VP, started North American Aviation, reorganized Bendix Aviation, saved the Ford Motor Company and rebuilt Trans World Airlines. He is also loyal, honest, righteous, God-fearing and modest. And this pedestal portrait provides the hate if not the heart of the man. The author seems absolutely awestruck. Fortunately, most of the time he sticks to business-Ernie as door-to-door salesman, Ernie as accountant, Ernie balancing the books. Ernie as cost-analysis expert, Ernie stepping in at the last moment to save the company from its inefficient self, Ernie making a Senate investigating committee ashamed of itself for mistrusting such a patriotic American and the company for which he stands, Ernie receiving personal notes from the White House (reprinted intact). Ernie as orator (Ernie's speeches reproduced in full). Yes, Ernie has had a full life; all he lacks is an exciting biography. This one is strictly for the pyramid climbers.