33

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:500.00 - 700.00 USD
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Bidding Over

The auction is over for this lot.
The auctioneer wasn't accepting online bids for this lot.

Contact the auctioneer for information on the auction results.

Search for other lots to bid on...
Auction Date:2017 Aug 09 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
DS as president, one page, 8 x 10.25, White House letterhead, no date but circa 1943. A "Citation for Legion of Merit, Degree of Officer" for "Lieutenant Colonel Stepan Savvich Vlasenko, Red Army U.S.S.R. For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services during the operation resulting in the capture of Kiev and forcing the Dnieper. In September 1943, Guards Lieutenant Colonel Vlasenko forces the Dnieper and in the subsequent battles strengthened the bridgehead on the right bank, inflicting heavy damage on enemy personnel and equipment." In very good to fine condition, with scattered creasing and wrinkling.

The Battle of the Lower Dnieper, for which Vlasenko is being recognized, took place in 1943 and is considered one of the costliest operations of the war, involving more than four million troops on both sides on a front that stretched 870 miles. Lasting four months, as many as half of the combatants were killed, but Soviet forces were able to recapture Kiev from the Germans. This unique commendation, created by Roosevelt earlier in the war, was designed to recognize any Allied soldier who 'shall have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.' Of course, that meant that Soviet troops, such as Lieutenant Colonel Vlasenko, were eligible for the honor. Throughout the war, FDR recognized the invaluable contributions being made by the Red Army in the fight against Nazi Germany, and hoped that such a citation might strengthen the tenuous bond between the multi-national Allied coalition.