WILLIAM MCKINLEY | William McKinley bestows a special commendation on the Eighth Army Corps for their service in the Spanish-American War

Property from the Collection of Elsie and Philip Sang

WILLIAM MCKINLEY

TYPED LETTER SIGNED ("WILLIAM MCKINLEY") AS TWENTY-FIFTH PRESIDENT, RECOMMENDING A SPECIAL MEDAL OF HONOR TO BE GIVEN TO THE EIGHTH ARMY CORPS FOR THEIR SERVICE IN THE PHILIPPINES IN THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

One page (10 1/2 x 8 in.; 266 x 204 mm) on Executive Mansion letterhead, Washington, 1 July 1899, with autograph emendations; light horizontal crease where previously folded, pencil notations, dampstain to lower right, indentation at upper left where previously paper-clipped. 

"The President desires to express in the most public manner his appreciation of the lofty patriotism shown by the volunteers and regulars of the Eighth Army Corps in performing willing service through severe campaigns and battles when under the terms of their enlistment, they would have been entitled to discharge upon the ratification of the treaty of peace with Spain... In recognition thereof I shall recommend to Congress that a special medal of honor be given to the officers and soldiers of the Eighth Army Corps who performed this great duty voluntarily and enthusiastically for their country."