updated 05/22/2016

Conceived in France at the close of the World War as a means of providing diversion and recreation for soldiers no longer needed in military service, the tentative organization of the American Legion quickly spread to America and the Legion became outstanding as a peace-time organization of ex-service men.

All persons who were in the military or naval service of the United States during the period between April 6, 1917 and November 11, 1918 were eligible to membership, as were persons who service in a like capacity in any government associated with the United States during the World War, if they were citizens of the United States at the time of enlistment and at the time of applying for membership. Persons dishonorably discharged and conscientious objectors were not eligible to membership.

Monday, May 12, 1919, was the earliest date on which charters could be asked for in Iowa. Fifteen Spencer veterans were awarded the prize of being Post No. 1, by winning a competition for that honor. Within a month fifty-one posts had been established in Iowa.

In May 1921 Legion Auxiliary within the State of Iowa, met to form a State organization. During the first year more than 300 units had been organizaed within the State, with a total membership of 19,000. The early objectives of the Auxiliary were to assist the Legion in caring for the disabled, to visit rehabilitation centers, develop a spirit of true Americanism in the schools, and urge the observance of national holidays with appropriate patriotic programs.

 

~The American Legion in Iowa 1919-1929; by Jacob Armstrong Swisher, 1929 (selected passages)
~contributed by Roseanna Zehner

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1920 - Postville American Legion Post No. 518 Organized

At a meeting of former service men last Friday night the preliminary steps were taken which will assure Postville a local Post of American Legion. Officers of the Calmar Post were present to help the boys get started on the right track. Frank Marron explained the nature of the organization, what the aims and purposes were. He explained the pleasures and benefits received by the individual members as well as the influence for good that a local Post exerted in community. He told of the different activities of the Calmar Post and enlarged upon the possibilities of a Post here, not only in a social way but of help for the local soldiers in securing compensation or help due them under the health and disability laws for soldiers by working through the National American Legion. After the discussion it was decided to organize a Post here. A temporary organization was effected and the following officers elected:

Post Commander - G. W. Hunt
Vice Post Commander - Richard F. Williams
Finance Officer - Ralph C. Davis
Adjutant - Ray R. Douglass
Post Historian - Harry N. Hanks
Executive Committee - Rudolph Hein, J. Lawrence Lien, Kenneth Kerr, Kenneth Sanders, Lloyd Putnam

By a unanimous ballot the Post was formally named the Arthur F. Brandt Post. A cordial invitation was extended to Mrs. Eli E. Baily to join this Post of the American Legion. As a start toward a goal of 100 per cent membership every man present signed the application for the charter. Plans were made to rush the work of getting started as much as possible in order that the Post might be well organized in time to handle the distribution of the Victory Medals with appropriate ceremonials on Armistice Day. A vote of thanks was extended to the men from Calmar for their interest and kindness in helping get started in the right way.

~Postville Herald, Friday, July 23, 1920 ~contributed by Reid R. Johnson

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1921 Postville

At the annual meeting held Tuesday evening, Arthur F. Brandt Post, American Legion, elected the following officers for the ensuing year:
Commander - G. W. Hunt
Vice Commander - R. F. Hein
Adjutant - R. R. Douglass
Finance Officer - R. C. Davis
Sergeant At Arms - J. A. Palas
Chaplain - E. E. Baily
Historian - E. E. McMartin
Executive Committee - Kenneth Kerr, R. F. Williams, L. F. Putnam, Fred J. Miller, Harry N. Hanks

Verni Schultz and Lawrence Dresser were initiated in due form, following which a social time and banquet were enjoyed. The legion team went to Cresco Wednesday night to play basketball with their Howard county brethren.

~Postville Herald, Thursday, January 13, 1921 ~contributed by Reid R. Johnson

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1924 Postville

At the last meeting of the American Legion Auxiliary, No. 518, on Dec. 26th, the following officers were elected for the coming year:

President - Mrs. Tilie Riley
Vice President - Mrs. Hulda Miller
Secretary - Mrs. Hattie Gass
Treasurer - Mrs. Ruth Hanks
Chaplain - Mrs. A.A. Knight
Historian - Mrs. Charles Kerr

~Postville Herald, Thursday, January 24, 1924 ~contributed by Reid R. Johnson

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1949 Waukon

Waukon - Officers of the Ralph D. Waters post, American Legion, of Waukon, are to be installed Thursday evening. Albert Dierauer, past commander, will be the installing officer. 

The new officers are Leonard V. O'Brien, commander; Harold McShane, first vice commander; W. C. Wheeler, second vice commander; Bernard Deeney, adjutant; A. G. Smedsrud, finance officer; the Rev. Joseph Krocheski, chaplain; Ralph Gluck, historian; Frank Teeling, service officer; Merle Barthell, master at arms.

~Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Thursday, August 11, 1949 ~contributed by Reid R. Johnson

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