Herbert Hoover passed away on October 20, 1964 at the age of 90.  While many people associate Hoover with the Great Depression, before he became President, he was known for his humanitarian work. During and after World War I, Hoover helped to feed starving people in Belgium, and later, as U.S. Food Administrator, established a rationing program in the United States to allow more food to be shipped to Europe.

Upon learning of the death of his good friend and fellow president, Harry S. Truman sent his condolences via telegram to the Hoover family. Just six days before he died, Hoover had sent Truman a telegram wishing him a speedy recovery after a fall in his bathtub.

Their most poignant exchange, however, was in December and January of 1962-63 in which Hoover thanked Truman for making it possible for him to re-enter public service after WWII.  Together, the two men had coordinated post-war efforts to avert starvation and disease.  Truman responded in kind with a candid letter of understanding. 

-from the Hoover Library

Source: research.archives.gov

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