Description: A fine content typed letter signed of General John J. Pershing, one page, 6.75" x 8.75", France, June 10, 1918. On his official American Expeditionary Force letterhead to Ira Morris at the Legation of the United States in Stockholm. With the original typed transmittal cover and in near fine condition. Pershing explains his delay in acknowledging the Legation's gift "…of tetanus-antitoxin for the use of the troops in France…I at once instructed the Medical Department to take charge of your very acceptable gift and they have delivered it to the main Medical Laboratory for distribution. In the name of the American Expeditionary Forces I wish to thank you for your generosity in this matter…As for Red Cross supplies, owing to the tonnage situation, all contributions must be forwarded through the Red Cross channels. If you will communicate with Major James F. Perkins, Director of the Red Cross in France…he will be able to answer any questions…". At the time of this letter, U.S. troops were involved in their first large-scale battle of World War I: the Battle of Belleau Wood. The hard-won Allied victory did much to boost the morale of the United States and sent a strong message of the Germans of their readiness to fight…and win. Early on in World War I, tetanus emerged as a major medical issue for troops on the field and in the trenches, because the deep tissue wounds from modern explosives were constantly exposed to bacteria harboring tetanus spores. As early as 1914, military doctors worked frantically to produce a new antitoxin. Although there are accounts of many soldiers getting "serum sickness," unquestioningly the antitoxin sent by the U.S.'s Swedish allies saved hundreds of lives. General of the Armies John Joseph "Black Jack" Pershing GCB, was a senior United States Army officer. He served most famously as the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front in World War I, 1917-18. 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.
Price: 159.99 USD
Location: Sugar Grove, Illinois
End Time: 2024-12-12T18:34:05.000Z
Shipping Cost: 9.99 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Industry: Military
Signed: Yes
