Theodore Roosevelt & William Howard Taft Signed Military Appointment.

Rare military appointment signed by Theodore Roosevelt as President and William Howard Taft as Secretary of War. One page, partially printed and accomplished in manuscript, dated July 1 1904, the document appoints William L. Patterson as First Lieutenant in the Porto Rico Provisional Regiment of Infantry in the service of the United States. Signed, "Theodore Roosevelt" as President. Countersigned by Taft, "Wm H Taft" as Secretary of War. With blue paper seal at the bottom left corner. The Porto Rico Provisional Regiment of Infantry was established in May 1899, shortly after Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory. While Puerto Ricans had previously fought in many American conflicts, including the Revolutionary War, this marked the first time they were formally permitted to serve in the U.S. Army. As members of a provisional regiment, the initial officers received set four-year appointments and had to pass rigorous mental and physical examinations to qualify for service. Now called the 65th Infantry Regiment, the unit went on to distinguish itself in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Global War on Terror. In recognition of its service, the regiment was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on June 10, 2014. Blue paper seal to the lower left corner of the document. In near fine condition. The document measures 21 inches by 16 inches.