432. 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. Especially rare pair of signed documents as President, both honoring the achievements of a Russian soldier during World War II! The first document, 1p. sm. folio, Washington, July 12, 1944, is the certificate awarding the Legion of Merit, Degree of Legionnaire to Lieutenant Colonel Pavel Semenovich Demin of the Red Army: "...in accordance with the order issued by General George Washington at Headquarters, Newburgh, New York, on August 7, 1782...for extraordinary fidelity and exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service...". Light folds, else boldly signed and very good. The second document is the corresponding "Citation for the Legion of Merit, Degree of Legionnaire", also signed by Roosevelt, 1p. 4to. on White House letterhead, Washington [n.d., ca. July 12, 1944], in which it is noted that Demin is being cited for coordinating: "...the distribution of supplies, equipment, and personnel for all of the Russian bases built for the United States Army Air Forces, exhibiting resourcefulness and efficient planning...overcoming of difficulties through his spirit of cooperation...". Light folds, else fine and boldly signed by Roosevelt at bottom. Two signed documents as President. Very few of either of these documents have ever surfaced, and in recent years they have all but disappeared from the market.  $4,000 - 5,000