War-dated TLS signed “G. S. Patton, Jr,” one page, 8 x 10, Headquarters I Armored Corps letterhead, January 25, 1943. Letter, in the form of a memorandum headed at the top, “Subject: Commendation. To: Mr. Samuel Schulman, International News Photos.” In full: “1. It has come to my attention that you, as a war correspondent attached to the Western Task Force under my command, performed your duties at great personal risk at Fedale, French Morocco, on November 8, 1942, and the subsequent days of fighting. I am informed that, in spite of opportunities to find safer positions, you continued to take photographs on the beaches while under severe hostile artillery fire and bombing and strafing by enemy planes, and that you also photographed at close hand the assault of the Seventh Infantry on Pont Blondin. 2. I wish to commend you personally for the devotion to duty you displayed in the face of peril, a great credit to American journalism, and of important service to the United States Army, in contributing to the picture record of our troops at war.” In very good condition, with block of uniform toning over text and signature from previous display, with lighter toning to edges, two noticeable vertical creases, one through a single letter of signature, paperclip impressions to top edge, and some light overall wrinkling and creases.
Schulman’s bravery and commitment to capturing the heat of the battle came during Operation Torch, the British-American invasion of French North Africa. Pont Blondin, referenced here by Patton, was a particular highly fortified stronghold, with nearby searchlights, antiaircraft machine guns, and rifle and machine gun pits. “I am informed that, in spite of opportunities to find safer positions, you continued to take photographs on the beaches while under severe hostile artillery fire and bombing and strafing by enemy planes,” the impressed general proudly states in this commendation, furthering offering his admiration of Schulman photographing “at close hand the assault of the Seventh Infantry on Pont Blondin.” In addition to the recognition of Patton (which grew into a warm friendship), Schulman had another well-known admirer in President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The two men had known each other for more than 20 years and purportedly was the man who named FDR’s nationwide speeches ‘fireside chats.’ Superlative war-dated recognition from one of history’s greatest generals. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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