Rare partly-printed DS as president, one page, 15.75 x 9.75, November 25, 1848. President Polk appoints awards a "Certificate of Merit" to a veteran of the Mexican–American War, in part: "Private Joseph David, of Company (C), of the 2d Regiment of Dragoons, having distinguished himself in the service of the United States, on the eighteenth day of April, 1847, in the Battle of Cerro Gordo, on the recommendation of Colonel W. S. Harney, the Commanding Officer of his Regiment, I do hereby award to the said Private Joseph David, this Certificate of Merit." Neatly signed at the conclusion by President James K. Polk, and countersigned by Secretary of War William L. Marcy. Beautifully cloth-matted and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 32 x 21. In fine condition, with both Polk's and Marcy's signature quite light, but fully legible.
The 'Certificate of Merit' was established to allow the president to recognize the individual contributions of soldiers during the Mexican-American War, which also granted them a pay raise of two dollars per month. Only 545 of these were ever issued, and the award was discontinued after the war. On April 18, 1847, US troops encountered General Santa Anna's army at Cerro Gordo, where he had prepared fortifications. William S. Harney led his troops—Joseph David included—up a hill known as El Telegrafo, a position controlled by Santa Anna and key possession in the territory. With support from Bennett C. Riley's troops, the United States easily took the hill and won the battle in decisive fashion, clearing the way for the American advance to Mexico City. An exceptional document with direct association to one of the most important battles of the Mexican-American War.
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