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World War I-dated TLS signed “F. D. Roosevelt,” one page, 8 x 10.5, Navy Department, Assistant Secretary's Office letterhead, March 6, 1918. Letter to Rev. Theo. Andrews, in full: “Your prompt and patriotic response to the NAVY'S call for binoculars, telescopes, and spy-glasses, is most appreciated. The glasses will be very useful in the prosecution of Naval Operations until victory is won. At the termination of the war, if possible, every effort will be made to return them to you, when it is hoped that you will feel compensated for any evidence of wear, by the knowledge that you have supplied ‘Eyes for the NAVY’ during a very trying period. On behalf of the NAVY, I wish to thank you most heartily.” In fine condition. Accompanied by a modern photo picturing an 'Eyes for the Navy' poster.
Before World War I, America imported most of its optical goods from Germany and Austria. Following the nation’s entry into the war, the U.S. 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 U.S. 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 signed by Roosevelt.
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