An up close view of Howard Hughes at a banquet held for him in the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California.

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Contemplative smile. Here, Howard Hughes seems in rapt thought during one of the numerous speeches extolling his feat. Probably thinking of the "men who designed and perfected to its present remarkable state of efficiency, the modern American flying machine and equipment." (The quote is from his own official statement to the press.) Credit Lines (ACME) 7/15/38."

The black and white view of Howard Hughes surrounded by people in Paris, France. Text printed on photograph's accompanying strip of paper: "Howard Hughes after arriving at Paris to complete the first leg of a round-the-world flight. 7-11-38."

A view of Howard Hughes and an unidentified man walking outside at Le Bourget Airfield.

Typed onto a piece of paper attached to the image: "Chicago Cheers Hughes and Companions, Chicago -- Howard Hughes, leader of the quintet that flew Around the World in 3 days, 19 hours, and Mayor Edward J. Kelly, of Chicago, riding at the head of the parade that the city staged in honor of Hughes and his four companions. Credit Lines (ACME) 7/30/38. (NY)."

A view of Los Angeles Mayor Frank L. Shaw, Howard Hughes, and California Governor Frank Merriam (left to right) dining together at a banquet for Howard Hughes in Los Angeles, California.

Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: "Hughes thanks State Department for Co-operation. Washington, D. C. -- Howard Hughes (left), with Jesse Hones (right), Chairman of the RFC, leaving the State Department here, July 21, after Hughes personally thanked Secretary of State Cordell hull for the cooperation of the State Department in clearing Hughes departure in the round-the-world record flight. Credit Line (ACEM) 7/21/38."