". . . Mr. Geist undertook . . . many difficult projects designed to lessen the suffering and to hasten the recovery of more than two hundred thousand Army, Navy and Marine Corps sick and wounded soldiers and veterans . . . . This task . . . was accomplished through his indefatigable energy, and dedicated public spirit in spite of innumerable obstacles incident to wartime shortages."
Irving Geist (1900-1970) was an industrialist whose efforts to rehabilitate veterans won him in 1947 the United States' highest civilian decoration at the time, the Medal for Merit, awarded for "exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services."
with--Geist's Medal for Merit, framed with the original case. 11 1/2x10 1/4 inches overall. 1947 Small group of related photographs.