Description:

Theodore Roosevelt
Washington DC, July 1, 1904
T. Roosevelt & W. Taft Signed Document First Time Puerto Ricans Would Serve in US Army!
DS

One partially printed page, 21 x 16 inches, Washington, DC; July 1, 1904. Appoints "William L. Patterson...First Lieutenant in the Porto Rico Provisional Regiment of Infantry...This Commission to continue in force during the pleasure of the President of the United States, for the time being, but not exceeding four years from the first day of July, nineteen hundred and four." Signed, "Theodore Roosevelt" as President. Countersigned by Taft, "Wm H Taft" as Secretary of War. With blue paper seal at the bottom left corner. Slight foxing at the right and top edges, minor smudge to Roosevelt's signature, but boldly signed.

The Porto Rico Provisional Regiment of Infantry was established in May 1899, shortly after Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory. While Puerto Ricans had previously fought in many American conflicts, including the Revolutionary War, this marked the first time they were formally permitted to serve in the U.S. Army. As members of a provisional regiment, the initial officers received set four-year appointments and had to pass rigorous mental and physical examinations to qualify for service.

Now called the 65th Infantry Regiment, the unit went on to distinguish itself in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Global War on Terror. In recognition of its service, the regiment was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on June 10, 2014.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 21 x 16
  • Medium: DS

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