Appealing lot of two items signed by President Harry S. Truman, consisting of a TLS and a DS, both of which congratulate Katharine Tucker, the founder of the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, for her service as a member of Truman’s wartime Procurement and Assignment Service.
The TLS, one page, 8 x 10.5, May 17, 1946, White House letterhead, in full: “Since I understand that the Directing Board of the Procurement and Assignment Service is today holding its final meeting, I wish to take the occasion to extend my congratulations and thanks to the Board members and to all your associates throughout the country. As you bring your wartime task to a close, you should feel well merited satisfaction in its success. Your contribution in mobilizing the medical and health professions for the armed services, while maintaining minimum standards for civilian medical care, warrants the gratitude of the entire Nation - military and civilian alike. The planning and execution of this all-out mobilization of our health resources required unusual skill and demanded the confidence of all concerned. As I have watched your work throughout the war years, I have been repeatedly impressed by the genuine cooperation which promoted the cordial and efficient relationships between the Government and the medical, nursing and allied professions. Your own efforts in dealing with the nursing problem are especially appreciated. We are all deeply indebted to you for your unselfish devotion to the common interest and shall count on your continued understanding and counsel in the days ahead.”
The DS, one page, 8 x 10.5, April 27, 1946, headed “Procurement and Assignment Service For Physicians, Dentists, Veterinarians, Sanitary Engineers and Nurses,” reads, in part: "This certificate is presented to Katharine Tucker, R. N., in recognition of uncompensated service to the United States of America during World War II as Member of the Directing Board.” Signed neatly at the conclusion by President Truman and countersigned by three others, including Ross McIntire, who was personal White House physician to Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman. In overall fine condition, with some envelope-related toning to the document. Accompanied by the original oversized White House mailing envelope. An intriguing pair of documents directly relating to the mobilization of medical needs during World War II.
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