WWI U.S. Navy Award From Franklin D. Roosevelt, Then Assistant Secretary Of The Navy

Award is "Eyes for the Navy" issued to Georgia L. Williams and facsimile signed by the then Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Franklin D. Roosevelt. Award is not dated though research shows these were presented flowing WWI. A remarkable piece .... award to a woman and signed when FDR was Asst Secretary to the Navy.
Wood frame measures 8.5" x 12"
Historical Note: Before World War I, America imported most of its optical goods from Germany and Austria. Following the nations entry into the war, the US Navy faced a severe shortage of binoculars, telescopes, and spyglasses. Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Secretary of the Navy, initiated the Eyes for the Navy program to which American citizens loaned their glasses, binoculars, and telescopes. In his appeal to the public, Roosevelt alluded to German U-boat attacks, stating that more eyes are needed on shipboard than ever before to maintain the constant and efficient lookout for the submarine. Americans donated over 51,000 glass objects to the program. The US Navy recorded the name and address of the donor and engraved a serial number on each object. As the government was required to pay for all services and materiel, donors received one dollar for the rental of their glasses. After the war, the glasses were returned to their owners with an engraved certificate with a facsimile signature of Assistant Secretary of the Navy and future President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Notes: Shows some discoloration consistent with age. Professionally framed.

Consistent with age and use.

8.5" x 12"

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