Description:

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT AWARD OF A D-DAY LEGION OF MERIT
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (1882 - 1945) Thirty-second President of the United States who instituted the 'New Deal' programs and who led the United States through most of World War II. Exceptionally rare and very late partly-printed D.S. as President, 1p. 12 x 9.75 in., Washington, Jan. 4, 1945. With a shaky hand and only three months before his sudden death, Roosevelt awards the Legion of Merit in the Degree of Officer to British Royal Navy Commander Ronald Hunter-Blair. Roosevelt boldly signs at lower-right, co-signed by Secretary of the Navy JAMES FORRESTAL at lower-left, his signature very faded. Evenly toned throughout. This award's recipient, Ronald Hunter-Blair, was a veteran of World War I and a POW. He fought during the Russian Civil War in 1919 and served in military intelligence. Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Gordon Highlanders and admitted to the Royal Company of Archers, Hunter-Blair was awarded the Legion of Merit by Roosevelt for his 'exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service'. Specifically, as quoted from the citation from Forrestal (copy included), Hunter-Blair supported ‘the Government of the United States as Boom Defense Commander attached to a Task Force during the construction of an artificial harbor off the assault beach near the coast of France on June 7, 1944', during the Allied invasion of Normandy. ‘Zealous and untiring in his efforts, Commander Hunter-Blair promptly met all requests and extraneous tasks assigned him with resource and tact, rendering distinctive assistance to the Task Force Commander throughout the entire planning phase prior to actual operations. Subsequently directing the forces under his command with unwavering efficiency, he effectively accomplished his vital assignment. By his tenacious devotion to duty and wholehearted spirit of cooperation, Commander Hunter-Blair contributed materially to the success of this hazardous operation'.

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April 2, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000