Truman Signed Legion of Merit for "caring for the victims of Nazi oppression"

A two document display for a French doctor, Arthur Guirriec, serving in the Second World War, both signed by President Harry Truman. The two documents are a Legion of Merit certificate and its corresponding citation. The documents are matted and framed to the overall size of 22.25" x 28.25". The certificate has flattened folds, and there is uneven toning to both. Boldly signed. Details of each document are as follows:

1. Legion of Merit Certificate. 1p, measuring 11.5" x 9.5" (sight), Washington, D.C., dated August 17, 1945. Signed "Harry Truman" and countersigned "Henry L. Stimson" as Secretary of War. The award of "Legion of Merit, Degree of Officer" was presented to "Surgeon General Arthur Guirriec, First French Army." With a blind embossed seal at the lower center.

2. Citation for Legion of Merit. 1p, measuring 7.5" x 10" (sight), Washington, D.C., undated. Signed "Harry Truman", which is rarely seen on citations. Reading in full: "Surgeon General Arthur Guirriec, performed outstanding services in France and Germany from August 1944 to May 1945 as Surgeon General, First French Army. From the moment of the landings in southern France to the conclusion of hostilities in Austria, he devoted his exceptional professional skill and his wholehearted enthusiasm to the difficult problems attendant upon organizing the medical services to treat the sick and wounded, and to carry out evacuation during fast-moving and rigorous campaigns. Subsequently, he played a splendid and humane role in caring for the victims of Nazi oppression as the enemy was rolled back. He was a distinguished representative of a noble profession whose sole motivating force is the desire to bring help to those in misery."

Together with a 3-inch bronze Harry S. Truman Inaugural Medal. Weighing approximately 9oz, the medal was offered by the U.S. Mint for a brief period during 1945 to commemorate Truman's inauguration. Designed by John Sinnock. The medal features a profile portrait of Truman on the obverse and the front of the White House with Truman's presidential term on the reverse. With minimal wear, very fine.

Arthur Guirriec (1890-1956) began the war as a Medical Colonel, attached to French Equatorial Africa. He served as Director of Medical Services for numerous units throughout the war and was eventually made Medical Inspector-General in September 1945. Guirriec was lauded for his medical services, having very lower death percentages despite bad weather and less than ideal working conditions. When the war ended, he remained at the disposal of the Colonial Medical Services for several years before finally retiring in 1950.

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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