Howard Hughes (left, in dark coat) noted designer, builder, and industrialist entering the hull of the Hughes Flying Boat, the largest airplane in the world, as it was nearing completion on Terminal Island in the Los Angeles Harbor. With him is Joe Petralli, assistant director of service and flight.

Crowd of people watching Howard Hughes arrive at the Washington Airport in Washington D.C.

Description given with photo: "Mr. Hughes Exits Smiling, Washington, D.C. - A different Howard Hughes from the harried, sometimes angry, man who faced the Senate War Investigating Committee last week, the millionaire plane-builder is shown waving a cheerful farewell to Washington and his admirers as he boarded his converted bomber at National Airport today for his return to California. Before taking off Hughes said he has no idea of the where-abouts of his elusive public relations man, John W. Meyer. Asked if he would be back in Washington when the committee reconvenes in November, he said: "Certainly." Photograph by N.K. Benson. 8/13/47."

L-R: John D. Home, Department Commander of the American Legion; Howard Hughes, Managing Director of production for RKO Pictures; Edward Underwood, Commander of the Hollywood American Legion Motion Picture Post #43.

Description printed on photograph's accompanying strip of paper: "Howard Hughes in the cockpit of his plane. A few minutes before leaving Paris for Moscow on the second leg of his flight around the world. 7-12-38"