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."
Description printed on photograph's accompanying sheet of paper: "Howard Hughes Guest at National Press Club. Washington, D. C. -- Howard Hughes, multi-millionaire round-the-world flyer is pictured as he spoke at the National Press Club here, July 21st, where he and his four companions were guests at a luncheon of the club. Hughes and the members of his crew on the flight visited Washington to personally thank Secretary of State Cordell Hull for his assistance in the clearing of their plane. Credit Line (ACME) 7/21/38."