Partly printed vellum DS as president, one page, 15 x 19.5, December 26, 1901. Roosevelt appoints Frederick S. Young to the position of “Second Lieutenant of Infantry.” Signed at the conclusion in black ink by Roosevelt, and countersigned by Secretary of War, Elihu Root. In very good condition, with intersecting storage folds, moderate wrinkling and creasing, more prevalent to upper portion of document, and a light strip of toning around edges from previous display.
The design of this military commission reveals a majestic eagle shown near the top of the document and a more-elaborate, patriotic vignette that decorates the lower aspect of the document. This one is filled with instruments of battle, including bayoneted rifles, tassel flags, sabres, a bugle, cannonballs, a fife and drum, and a medieval plumed armor helmet.
Although the document was not signed by Roosevelt until December 1901, Young had actually been serving as a commissioned officer since February. In fact, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant on December 17, 1901, nine days before this document became official. Young, a Pennsylvania resident, continued to rise through the ranks and by World War I was a US Army colonel. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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