NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 280 INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P. O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-7-62
LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL
National Commander Charles L. Bacon of The American Legion has announced that Atty. Gen. Robert F. Kennedy has accepted his invitation to he the guest of honor and to address the National Commander's dinner during the Legion's M+th National Con- vention in Las Vegas, Nev., Oct. 5-11. An audience of more than 1,000 is expected to attend the affair, scheduled for Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Flamingo Hotel.
The Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Post 299, St. Louis, Mo., has defeated a spunky team sponsored by the Kau-Tom Post 11, Honolulu, Hawaii, to become the 1962 national champions of American Legion Baseball.
The llrth annual breakfast of the National Association of American Legion De- partment Historians will be Monday, Oct. 8, at 7:30 a.m., in the Terrace Room of the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev., during the Legion's I962 National Convention there. The annual election of officers will be at that time.
Many Sons of The American Legion and junior members of the American Legion Auxiliary, along with thousands of other teenagers, did a grown-up job this summer as volunteers at the Veterans Administration's 169 hospitals across the nation.
The American Legion's Patriotic Memorial Program will be at the Las Vegas High School Auditorium, Sunday, Oct. 7, during The American Legion's 1962 National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. The event, open to the- public, is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m.
In an address at Wausau, Wis., National Commander Charles L. Bacon of The American Legion has promised that the Legion will support military intervention in Cuba if such action is required to end Russian build-up there.
Scheduled speakers for Tuesday, Oct. 9, who will bring greetings to The American Legion's khth National Convention in Las Vegas, Oct. 5-11, include: Mrs. J. Howard McKay, National President of the American Legion Auxiliary; Mrs. Hazel A. Blanchard, president of the National Education Association; W. J. Driver, deputy administrator of the Veterans Administration, and Ellsworth H. Augustus, president of the National Council Boy Scouts of America. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 2 INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 10SS • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-7-62
WASHIWGrTON—(ALKS)—National Commander Charles L. Bacon of The American
Legion has announced that Atty. Gen. Robert P. Kennedy has accepted his invitation
to be the guest of honor and to address the National Commander's dinner during
the Legion's Wth National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., Oct. 5-11.
The National Commander's Dinner for Distinguished Guests is the annual top
level social affair of each American Legion convention and is attended by distiaguishe
guests of national stature and top ranking executives of The American Legion. An
audience of more than 1,000 is expected to attend the affair, scheduled to be held
Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Nevada Room of the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas.
In his welcoming letter to Attorney General Kennedy, National Commander
Bacon stated:
"Your audience will be composed of dedicated civic-minded citizens from all parts of this country and representatives of our American Legion posts in foreign countries. These people are giving liberally of themselves and of their time to the end that this country of ours will remain forever strong and forever free. I feel it most appropriate that the Attorney General of the United States, a member of the President's Cabinet, will speak to them on this occasion."
Like his predecessors at the Justice Department, Attorney General Kennedy supervises the vast legal arm of the federal government with its business regulatory machinery and its potentially explosive efforts to enforce civil rights laws. However, he is unlike gis predecessors because he is only 36 years old; and a brother and confidant of the President of the United States John P. Kennedy.
Before he was appointed Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy already had two reputations; first as chief counsel of Sen. John L. McClellan's select committee on improper activities in the labor or management field, a position he held for three years; second, as the tough hard-driving chief of staff of John F. Kennedy's cam- paign for the Presidency.
Other distinguished speakers at The American Legion's 1962 National Convention include: J. Edgar Hoover, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who will deliver the convention's keynote speech on Tuesday, Oct. 9; John C. Satterfield, former president of the American Bar Association; George Meany, president of the AFL-CIO; Gen. David M. Shoup, Commandant, United States Marine Corps; and Sam M. Fleming, president of the American Bankers Association. 282 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-7-62
BISMARCK, N.D. —(ALNS)— The Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Post 299, St. Louis,
Mo., defeated a spunky team sponsored by the Kau-Tom Post 11, Honolulu, Hawaii, to
become the 1962 national champions of American Legion Baseball.
The 1962 American Legion Baseball Player of the Year award went to Catcher
William Matan of the St. Louis team. Matan will represent the Legion's Baseball
Program as one of four outstanding representatives of the Legion's citizenship and
youth training activities to be introduced at the opening session of the Legion's
1962 National Convention on Oct. 9, in Las Vegas, Nev.
John Matias, Honolulu, Hawaii, was named the recipient of the James F. Daniel Sportsmanship Award, made annually to the boy showing the most courage, loyalty and sportsmanship during The American Legion's National Finals. Matias was a pitcher, first baseman, and right fielder for the Kau-Tom Post 11 team.
First Baseman Fred Balmer of Hampton Roads Post 31, Hampton, Va., was named the 1962 national batting champion of The American Legion's Little World Series. During tournament play, Balmer had a batting average of .553.
Listed below is a recap of this year's tournament play:
Game 1: Billings, Mont. (9) . Hampton, Va. (6) Game 2: St. Louis, Mo. (6) . Somerville, Mass. (5) Game 3? Honolulu, Hawaii (8) . New Orleans, La. (3) Game 4: West Allis, Wis. (5) . Buffalo, N.Y. (4) Game 5: Hampton, Va. (10) . Somerville, Mass. (0) -—Somerville eliminated. ' Game 6: New Orleans, La. (6) . Buffalo, N.Y. (4) •—Buffalo eliminated. Game 7: St. Louis, Mo. (7) . Billings, Mont. (4) Game 8: Honolulu, Hawaii (22) . West Allis, Wis. (6) Game 9: Hampton, Va. (3) . West Allis, Wis. (1) -—West Allis eliminated. Game 10: New Orleans, La. (4) . Billings, Mont. (1) ---Billings eliminated. Game 11: St. Louis, Mo. (6) . Honolulu, Hawaii (3) Game 12: Honolulu, Hawaii (10) . Hampton, Va. (9) Hampton eliminated. Game 13: St. Louis, Mo. (8) . New Orleans, La. (0) —New Orleans eliminated.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME--Sunday Sept. 2. 1962
Game 14: St. Louis, Mo. (9) .... Honolulu, Hawaii (6) NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 283 INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 38411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-7-62
IAS VEGAS, Nev. —-(ALMS) — -The official registration packet for The American
Legion's 44th National Convention here, October 5-11, will be considerably more
valuable than its initial $3.00 registration fee, 1962 Convention Corporation
officials have announced.
In addition to its numerous discount-type couppns and other items, the
packet will contain a Casino Center booklet with coupons for a free cash drawing of
$2,000 on "Casino Center Night", scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 9. On that night draw-
ings will be held for a $1,000 cash prize, a $500 cash bonus and two drawings for $250
each. The booklet also will contain a coupon for a free gift from Casino Center.
Other items in the official registration packet will include the official
American Legion badge, a souvenir program, many discount-type coupons, a miniature
telephone directory and a map of the Las Vegas area.
IAS VEGAS, Nev. —(ALNS)—The l4th annual breakfast of the National
Association of American Legion Department Historians will be Monday, Oct. 8, at
7:30 a.m. in the Te rrace Room of the Sands Hotel, National Historian Earl D. Young
has announced. The annual election of officers is scheduled to be held along with
other business transactions that may come before the Association.
In order that the business meeting may be concluded before the beginning of
the big American Legion National Convention parade at 10:00 a.m., the breakfast is
being scheduled one-half hour earlier than last year.
The cost of the breakfast is $2.85 per person, including sales tax and 15
per cent gratuity. Husbands and wives of department historians are welcome to attend. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 284 INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-7-62
WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Many Sons of The American Legion and junior members of the American Legion Auxiliary, along with thousands of other teenagers, did a grown-up job this summer as volunteers at the Veterans Administration's 169 hospitals across the nation.
In addition, the teenagers often developed interest in careers in medicine, nursing, and related fields, VA officials have- announced. For many, the VA service
provided valuable experience toward their life work goals.
Serving as junior volunteers, they engaged in "Operation Summer Replacement",
to fill the gaps left at Veterans Administration hospitals by the absence of older volunteers on vacation.
The VA reported that the juniors were an unqualified success with both the
patients and the VA staff members.
BALTIMORE, Md.—(ALNS)—The Maryland American Legion reports that for the
first time in the history of the department one of its larger posts has already ex-
ceeded its total previous year's membership prior to the National Convention.
Victory Post 155 of The American Legion, Westernport, Md., has already turned
in k60 membership cards for 1963, in comparison with the 1962 total of ^53.
IAS VEGAS, Nev. (ALNS) The American Legion's Patriotic Memorial Program
will be at the Las Vegas High School Auditorium, Sunday, Oct. 7> during the Legion's
1962 National Convention here. The event, open to the public, is scheduled to be
held between 5 and 6:00 p.m.
National Chaplain Rev. Father Robert G. Keating will deliver the main address,
"America, Of Thee I Sing". 285 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-7-62
INDIANAPOLIS---(ALNS)—-National Commander Charles L. Bacon of The
American Legion has promised that the Legion will support military intervention
in Cuba if such action is required to end Russian build-up there.
In an address at Wausau, Wis., National Commander Bacon said, "If it takes
military action to get rid of this malignancy in our hemisphere, The American
Legion will back the President solidly."
INDIANAPOLIS— (ALMS)—The Nebraska American Legion has become the 24th
department to surpass its 1961 official membership total. On Sept. 6, the Corn-
husker State reported a 1962 enrollment of 54,515 Legionnaires or 100.32 per cent
of its 1961 official total of 54,339.
National Commander Charles L. Bacon of The American Legion has sent a message
of congratulations to Eugene Kurkowski.
IAS VEGAS, NEV. (ALNS) Several distinguished guests will bring greetings
to The American Legion's 44th National Convention here, Oct. 5-11. Scheduled speakers
for Tuesday, Oct. 9> in the Las Vegas Convention Center, who will bring greetings
include: Mrs. J. Howard McKay, National President of the American Legion Auxiliary;
Mrs. Hazel A. Blanchard, president of the National Education Association; W. J.
Driver, deputy administrator of the Veterans Administration, and Ellsworth H.
Augustus, president of the National Council Boy Scouts of America. 286 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-7-62
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS)-— Printed below is the prize winning editorial by
Richard S. Kaplan of the Gary Memorial Post Monthly News, American Legion Post 17,
Gary, Ind., this year's winner of the Wm. E. Rominger plaque. The plaque is
awarded annually for the best original editorial appearing in an American Legion
publication.
IT CAN HAPPEN HERE by Richard S. Kaplan
A few months ago I read an advertisement published on behalf of the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. It read as follows:
"My dear son, I am so sorry you are going to have to live under Communism. It seemed to come so quickly. I didn't think lies could win, I guess we were so busy with other things. Not enough of us spoke up for freedoms when we had the chance."
The thought went pulsing through my mind, "WHY DIDN'T WE THINK LIES COULD WIN? WHY WERE WE TOO BUSY WITH OTHER THINGS WHEN FREEDOM WAS ENDANGERED?"
For many years I have written and pleaded with people . . . thousands of people, apparently intelligent people, trying to implant within their minds an accurate picture of what Communistic Russia and China were trying to do and the means they were employing in carrying out their plans for world conquest. Have people listened? Have they absorbed what they have read? I doubt it.
While the Communists have been selling Communism, we, the greatest salesmen in the world ... we who can sell billions of dollars of useless gook to millions of men and women, simply failed and are failing to sell our great American way of life. While they sold junk and slavery, coated with sugar, we have been too busy wasting our wealth and resources on trying to BUY friends and appease neutral nations.
While our enemies have been zealous to the point of insanity in selling their cause, we have been apathetic. While they have been pushing, we have been pulling and tugging at each other. Why worry about Communism, the danger to this nation, the possibility of the elimination of our freedom, when there are new cars to buy, brand new refrigerators to get, exciting westerns to watch on television, bridge parties, pinochle games to play, golf and tennis and myriad other sports to watch while others participate? Nuclear war? Why worry about that when we have to worry about whether or not Mickey Mantle or Roger Maris will beat Babe Ruth's record of 60 home runs?
(MORE) 287
IT CAN HAPPEN HERE by Richard S. Kaplan (Continued page 2)
While the Communists make up their minds to get us excited, to threaten, we must first consult with our allies, the French, British, Italians, Germans . . . talk it over with the Latin Americans, who haven't lifted a little finger to support us on the Cuban question ... and then, of course, our Congressmen and Senators MUST make speeches before any affirmative action can be taken to stop Communism.
Oh, yes, I've heard it, again and again . . . "THIS IS A DEMOCRACY AND THAT'S HOW A DEMOCRACY WORKS." And, I ask, "Has a Democracy the faults and failings with which to destroy itself?"
Must we allow our children to become delinquents and forget all this country stands for? Must we continue to ask "What's in it for me?" instead of demanding, "WHAT CAN I DO FOR MY COUNTRY?" Can't we possibly stop wasting our resources, stop coddling, get up off our knees, stop apologizing and act like our forefathers in- tended we should act . . . like MEN of GUTS and STEEL and FORTITUDE?
I pray that day may never come when we have to look into the eyes of our children and try to explain why we let them down and permitted our precious freedom to be destroyed at the hands of the Communists; but if we are to avoid such a tragic occurance, we'll all . . . each and every one of us . . . have to wake up to the fact we are living in an era of danger and not a single link can be weak in the chain which makes up this great nation.
Together . . . UNITED ... we will stand. Let us continue our squabbles . . . our hates . . . our prejudices . . . our attitude of weakness and we'll fall ... by default. It's just as simple as that. 288 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-14-62
LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL
The Honorable Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States and a lifetime member of The American Legion, will address the 44th annual National Convention of The American Legion in Las Vegas, Nev., Oct. 5-H> National Commander Charles L. Bacon has announced. Mr. Truman will address the entire assembly of delegates and the general public on the morning of Oct. U, in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
National Commander Charles L. Bacon of The American legion has given assurance that the Legion "stands behind any policy or action of the United States government, including military intervention if required, which will destroy Castro's dictatorial hold on Cuba."
The American Legion's Membership and Post Activities Committee has reported an increase in the number of special membership recognitions awarded during the past year to parallel the Legion's growing enrollment for 1962.
A star-studded lineup of defense experts will highlight the Oct. 5-6 meetings of The American Legion's National Security Commission and its attendant committees on the eve of the Legion's 44th National Convention, Oct. 5-H in tes Vegas, Nev.
There will be 3,015 delegates and a like number of alternates at The American Legion's 1962 annual National Convention. This represents an increase of 18 over last year's figure. With 255 Legionnaires in its voting bloc, the Pennsylvania American Legion will have the largest department delegation.
President John F. Kennedy signed into law an American Legion supported bill on Sept. 1, giving an average 9«4 per cent increase in compensation payments to nearly two million disabled veterans. This is the first such increase in the compensation rates since 1957 •
All signs once again point to a high flying start in The American Legion's 1963 "Early Bird" membership drive. Hawaii on Sept. 11, became the first department to qualify when 606 dues were received for 1963* exceeding the 552 needed to qualify...... The American Legion will salute Telstar, the world's first active communica- tions satellite, at its 44th National Convention in Las Vegas, Oct. 5-11. National Commander Charles L. Bacon has announced that The American Legion National Com- mander's Award will be presented to the Bell Telephone Laboratories and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for their creative role in the successful launching of project Telstar. 289 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-lk-&
IAS VEGAS, Nev. —(ALMS)— The Honorable Harry S. Truman., the 33rd
President of the United States and a lifetime member of The American Legion, will
address the khth annual National Convention of The American Legion here, Oct. 5-11,
National Cemmander Charles L. Bacon has announced. Mr, Truman will address the
entire assembly of delegates and the general public on the morning of Oct. 11, in
the Las Vegas Convention Center,
A life member of the Tirey J. Ford Post 21, Independence, Mb., Mr. Truman
is an honorary past department commander of the Missouri American Legion and has
been a Legionnaire since the organization was founded. As a delegate to the 19&2
National Convention he will have piled up a record breaking score of 100 per cent,
since he has been named a delegate to every National Convention.
Former President Truman helped organize the first Legion post in Missouri,
the William T. Fitzsimmons Post 8 in Kansas City in 1919, and also helped organize
a half dozen others. He transferred his membership in 1920, to the Tirey J.
Ford Post 21, named for a sergeant in the 129th Field Artillery of the 35th
Division, who was killed on the front in the Meuse-Argonne drive, Sept. 26, lgL8.
Mr. Truman was a captain in the 129th Field Artillery.
During his close and devoted membership in The American Legion, he has
concentrated his organizational and executive abilities in three of its most
important national efforts ... the Americanism, the Rehabilitation and the
Child Welfare Programs. However, his lifetime as a community and national public official has
prevented him from ever holding an office in his local American Legion post. 290 NEWS Irom: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-1^-62
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. —(ALMS)— National Commander Charles L. Bacon of
The American Legion has given assurance that the Legion "stands behind any policy or
action of the United States government, including military intervention if required,
which will destroy Castro's dictatorial hold on Cuba."
In an address Sept. 7, before delegates to the department convention of
the Virginia American Legion, Commander Bacon declared, "We realize that with the
Communist conspiracy operating on a world-wide basis the Cuban problem is an ex-
tremely sensitive one and that any and all action in connection with Cuba must be
thoughtfully conceived, insulated from hysteria, and considered in the light of
threats against us from other quarters of the world."
"But, by the same token," he noted, "the proximity of this particular
threat behooves us as a government and a nation to move with firmness, and with as
much speed as is consistent with sound judgment, bearing always in mind that we cox
have but one goal and that is the eradication of this malignancy from our hemis-
phere ."
"It is my hope that we will make every practicable effort with our NATO friends to terminate the use of their ships by the communist countries to bring military men and supplies to Castro. "Furthermore, in view of the weapons, men and technicians already in Cuba, it might be well to consider giving the President stand-by authority to make avail- able to the counter-revolutionary forces—that is, the freedom-loving people of Cuba within and without that country—equal military potential. "The ultimate decision as to the steps to be taken is the awesome and inescapable responsibility of the leaders of government. Any decision in the matter is fraught with danger. Cur leaders need the prayers and the constructive help of all Americans everywhere. "To this end, The American Legion suggests that first of all our goals must be set forth in clear terms. These goals are: to protect the United States of America; to protect the other free nations of this hemisphere; and to keep alive the hope of these freedom-loving people of Cuba that the day will dawn when they once again will be able to live and enjoy a life and system of government unen- cumbered by Castro, Khrushchev, and their disciples," he said. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 231 INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-1^-62
IMDIANAJPOUS —(ALNS)— The American Legions Membership and Post Activities Committee has reported an increase in the number of special membership recognitions awarded during the past year to parallel the legion's growing enroll- ment for 1962. In a special report being prepared for the Congress of the United
States, National Membership Chairman William A, Brennan, Jr., has pointed out healthy increases in several areas. A total of 700 posts, an increase of 90 this year, qualified for the
Certificate of Meritorious Service, awarded to American legion posts securing by
Dec. 31, 1961, a 1962 membership equal to or greater than their all-time high. The Honor Ribbon for attachment to the post banner, made to posts reaching
or surpassing the 1961 membership for 1962 by Dec. 31* 19&-, was awarded to 3,076
posts. This represented an increase of 410. National Commander Charles L. Bacon expressed his personal appreciation in
a letter of commendation to 1,607 posts for reaching or surpassing 100 per cent of
their 1961 membership for 1962 by Nov. 11, 1961, an increase of 27^ letters. This past year, a special recognition called "Bravo Zulu" was presented to
38,734 legionnaires for signing up 15 or more members for 1962 by March 15, an
increase of 6,519 over an award offered for similar performance in 1961. Again this year, The American Legion held its annual Airmail Membership
Roundup. Airmail Roundup wings were awarded to departments engaging in this ac- tivity, and the departments themselves presented the wings to individual Legion-
naires making outstanding contribution to the membership effort. In this area, the Membership and Post Activities Committee reported that a total of 1,508 Airmail
Roundup wings were awarded, an increase of 50* 292 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-14-62
IAS VEGAS, Nev. — (ALNS) A star-studded lineup of defense experts will
highlight the Oct. 5-6 meetings of The American Legion's National Security Com-
mission and its attendant committees on the eve of the Legion's 44th National Con-
vention here Oct. 5-H»
Buses will leave at 9:15 &»m. on Oct. 5* from the Algiers Hotel for Nellis
Air Force Base where the group will receive a briefing on the Nellis AFB mission
and the Tactical Air Command. At 11:00 a.m. there will be a static display on F-105,
F-110 in various weapon configurations.
George C. McGhee, under secretary of state for political affairs, will
address a .Joint session of The American Legion's Foreign Relations and National
Security Commissions at 2:00 p.m. in the Gold Room of the Las Vegas Convention
Center.
A reserve forces panel will be conducted at 2:4-5 p.m., with Granville S.
Ridley of the Legion's National Security Training Committee, presiding. Partic-
ipants in the panel will be MaJ. Gen, Ralph A. Palladino, military executive of the
Reserve Forces Policy Board, as moderator, and panelists Maj. Gen. William H.
Harrison, president of the National Guard Association; Maj. Gen. John H. Foster,,
president of the Reserve Officers Association; MaJ. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey, director
of the selective service; R. Adm. Frederick Becton, USN, Commander, Naval Reserve Training Command; Maj. Gen. Chester E. McCarty, USAF, assistant chief of staff for Reserve Forces; MaJ. Gen. Frederick M. Warren, USA, Army Reserve and R0TC affairs; and MaJ. Gen. Winston P. Wilson, deputy chief of the National Guard Bureau. Speakers on the morning of Oct. 6, include: Sen. Howard Cannon (D-Nev.); MaJ, Gen. David A. Burchinal, USAF; Vice Adm. U.S.G. Sharp, USN; Lt. Gen. Theodore W. Barker, USA, and Maj. Gen. Avery R. KLer, USMC. A Maritime panel will be at 1:30 p.m., followed at 2:45 P»m. hy an address by Raymond Stiles, director of civil defense, State of Iowa. 233 from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters is #1
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-14-62
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (ALNS) There will be 3,015 delegates and a like number of alternates at The American Legion's 44th annual National Convention here, Oct.
5-11. This represents an increase of 18 over last year's figure. With 255 Legion- naires in its voting bloc, the Pennsylvania American Legion will have the largest department delegation, followed by New York with 220 and Illinois with 211.
Delegate strength to the 1962 National Convention has been determined on the basis of 1962 memberships received at the Legion's National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind., by Sept. 10, 1962. Each American Legion department is entitled to five delegates at large plus one delegate for each 1,000 members, or a major frac- tion thereof, computed on the basis of 1962 memberships in the hands of the national treasurer at the close of business 30 days prior to the National Convention.
DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP TOTAL NUMBER DEPARTMENT MEMBERSHIP TOTAL NUMBER OF DELEGATES OF DELEGATES
Ala. 33,177 39 Mo. 66,753 73 Alaska 2,882 9 Mont, 14,118 21 Ariz. 15,615 22 Neb. 54,515 61 Ark. 25,501 32 Nev. 3,667 10 Calif. 134,724 145 N.H. 17,454 24 Canada 670 7 N.J. 72,182 79 Colo. 24,834 31 N. Mex. 11,335 18 Conn. 28,573 37 N.Y. 211,700 220 Del. 4,133 10 N.C. 41,169 48 D. of C. 12,365 18 N.D. 27,948 35 Fla. 48,320 54 Ohio 112,526 120 France 3,678 10 Ok la. 46,176 54 Ga. 49,093 56 Ore. 21,516 28 Hawaii 3,858 10 Panama, C.Z. 1,054 7 Idaho 8,798 15 Pa 246,092 255 111. 203,672 211 Philippines 3,443 9 Ind. 105,086 112 Puerto Rico 10,487 16 Iowa 96,152 104 R.I. 11,962 18 Italy 3,646 10 s.c. 21,300 27 Kan. 60,750 68 S.D. 29,650 36 Ky. 30,640 37 Tenn. 53,683 60 La. 46,606 53 Tex. 72,114 80 Maine 20,549 27 Utah 6,706 13 Md. 34,691 41 vt. 11,761 18 Mass. 84,285 91 Va. 30,306 37 Mexico 1,270 7 Wash. 39,885 47 Mich. 68,526 78 W. Va. 26,650 35 Minn, 96,264 102 Wis. 75,052 81 Miss. 26,658 33 Wyo. 9,742 16
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP... 2,625,962 TOTAL DELEGATES 3,015 234 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411
National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-14-62
WASHINGTON (ALNS)— President John F. Kennedy signed into law an
American Legion supported bill on Sept. 7, giving an average 9.4 per cent increase
in compensation payments to nearly two million disabled veterans. This is the first
such increase in the compensation rates since 1957*
President Kennedy reported that "he was happy to approve this legislation,
which will benefit so many to whom we owe so much." He observed that the measure
offset increases in the cost of living which have occurred since the last hike of
compensation rates went into effect.
INDIANAPOLIS —(AIMS)— All signs once again point to a high flying start
in The American Legion's 1963 "Early Bird" membership drive. Hawaii on Sept. 11,
became the first department to qualify when 606 dues were received for 19^3, to
exceed the 552 needed to qualify.
Alabama Department Commander Ray Weeks on Sept. 12 wired that 8,443 member- ships for 1963, were enroute to the Legion's National Headquarters to qualify Alabama for the "Early Bird" award. To be an "Early Bird" for I963, American Legion Departments must have on record at the Legion's National Headquarters by 9:00 a.m., Oct. 11, 19^2, Las Vegas time, a membership exceeding their 1962 membership as of Oct. 11, 19^1, by at least one member or 15 per cent of their 1963 incentive goal, whichever is the greater.
INDIANAPOLIS — (ALNS)— National Child Welfare Director Randel Shake of The American Legion has been reappointed to the public advisory committee of the United States Public Health Service. He is one of 20 men (l6 doctors and four laymen) from throughout the nation now serving on the committee.
Shake recently returned from Washington, D.C., where he attended a World Forum on Syphilis and other Treponematoses. The forum was attended by 1,500 public health, medical and behaviorial science personnel from 51 countries. 295 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-14-62
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (ALMS)-- The American Legion will salute Telstar, the world's first active communications satellite, at its 44th annual National Convention here, Oct. 5-13. National Commander Charles L. Bacon announced Sept. 13, that The
American Legion National Commander's Award would be presented to the Bell Telephone
Laboratories and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for their crea-
tive role in the successful launching of project Telstar.
To commemorate the occasion bronze plaques will be presented to the Bell
Telephone Laboratories and NASA representatives. Walter A. MacNair, vice president
of Bell Telephone Laboratories Inc., will receive the plaque in behalf of his company
while Leonard Jaffee, director of communications, office of applications, of the NASA,
will accept a similar plaque for NASA.
The presentations will take place on Wednesday Oct. 10, at the Las Vegas
Convention Center.
The citation on the plaques reads as follows:
"The American Legion salutes Telstar, outstanding achievement of government-
industry cooperation. Created by the Bell Telephone Laboratories and launched by
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Telstar became the world's first
active communications satellite to span the oceans and open new horizons for audible
and visible communications around the world.
"As guardians of liberty dedicated to the promotion of peace, we hail Telstar
as a notable contribution toward better understanding among all men of good will.
America is proud of this historic accomplishment,"
A full scale model of Telstar will be on display along with NASA space
exhibits during the 44th National Convention. 236 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-14-62
IAS VEGAS, Nev. —(ALNS)— Four outstanding representatives of The
American Legion's citizenship and youth training activities will he introduced at
the opening session of the Legion's 44th annual National Convention here Oct. 5-11.
Scheduled to he presented hefore the convention on Tuesday Oct. 9 are:
Miss Patricia Ann Turner of Muskogee, Okla., the 1962 national champion of The
American Legion's national High School Oratorical Contest; H. Pettus Randall of
Tuscaloosa, Ala*, the president of the Legion's 17th annual Boys Nation; William
Matan of St, Louis, Mo., The American Legion Baseball Player of the Year; and
Eagle Scout Bernard A. Roy of MUlis, Mass., representing the Boy Scouts of
America sponsored hy The American Legion.
INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)— The Texas American Legion has become the 25th
department to surpass its 1961 official membership total. On Sept. "J, the Lone
Star State reported a 1962 enrollment of 72,114 Legionnaires or 100.04 per cent of
its 1961 official total of 72,088.
National Commander Charles L. Bacon was in Texas the day the transmittal
was received at National Headquarters and conveyed his personal congratulations to
Department Commander Aubrey L. Bullard.
WATERTOWN, S.D. —(ALNS)— Fifteen members of the executive committee of the South Dakota American Legion have enrolled in the 17th term of The American Legion Extension Institute. This is all of the members of the executive committee who have not previously taken the course.
CARSON CITY, Nev. -—(ALNS)— Floyd H. Crabtree, 72, department commander of the Nevada American Legion in 1947, died Sept. 6, in the Veterans Hospital at Reno, Nev. 297 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-21-62
LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL
Rear Adm. Allen J. Smith Jr., Commander Caribbean Sea Frontier and Commandant of the Tenth Naval District, is expected to bring a message of special interest to The American Legion's 44th National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., Oct. 5-11, in view of the proximity of his command area to the tense Cuban situation. Admiral Smith will speak at 11:00 a.m., Sunday Oct. 7, before a joint meeting of the Legion's National Security and Foreign Relations Commissions.
FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover's keynote address to The American Legion's 1962 National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., will receive nationwide radio and tele- vision coverage over the ABC network, C. D. DeLoach, chairman of the Legion's Na- tional Public Relations Commission, has announced.
Three 1962 American Legion Baseball performers have been signed to 1963 con- tracts by the Cincinnati Reds. All three of the Legion players will report to the 1961 National League champion's farm club at Tampa, Fla.
More than 100 Legionnaires attended the second American Legion Leadership College conducted at Norman, Okla., Sept. 14-16, under the auspices of the Oklahoma American Legion.
The Skydivers, the highly skilled United States Army parachute team, will not appear at the American Legion's 44th National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., Oct. 5-11, as previously announced.
The 12th edition of The American Legion's education and scholarship handbook, "Need a Lift?", is available for distribution to high schools and libraries as a post project during American Education Week, Nov. 11-17. The handbook contains information about hundreds of college and vocational school scholarships for quali- fied high school students.
The Veterans Administration has informed The American Legion that some two million disabled veterans will start receiving checks for increased compensation amounting to $98 million yearly, on or about Oct. 31. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 238 INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-21-62
LAS VEGAS—(ALNS)—Rear Adm. Allen J. Smith Jr., Commander Caribbean Sea
Frontier and Commandant of the Tenth Naval District, is expected to bring a message of special interest to The American Legion's Wrth National Convention, Oct. 5-H> in view of the proximity of his command area to the tense Cuban situation.
Admiral Smith, one of an impressive array of top military men scheduled to address the sessions, will speak before a joint meeting of the Legion's National
Security and Foreign Relations Commissions at 11 a.m., Sunday, October "J, in the
Gold Room of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Among the Admiral's major responsibilities are: protection of the United
States from attack through the Caribbean, to plan for control and protection of allied merchant shipping, and to provide support for continuance of fleet training operations in the Caribbean, including two training areas at Guantanamo Bay and in
Puerto Rico.
He has held his present command since July, i960, and was in direct command of the U. S. Naval forces which were instrumental in effecting the release of pas- sengers and crew members of the Portuguese cruise ship, SS Santa Maria, and, in conjunction with Brazilian authorities, arranging for the return of the ship to the proper Portuguese authorities.
For this action, he was awarded a gold star in lieu of a third Navy Commen- dation Medal.
Admiral Smith was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 2k, 190^. He entered the U. S. Naval Academy in 1923, and was active in athletics during his career as a midshipman. During his long, varied, and distinguished Naval career, Admiral Smith has earned many decorations, including the legion of Merit for "exceptionally meritorious conduct during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from January 25 to July 6, 1952," during which time he was in command of the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea.
Admiral Smith's headquarters, in his present command, are in San Juan, Puerto Rico. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 299 INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-21-62
IAS VEGAS, Nev. (ALNS)—FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover's keynote address to
The American Legion's 44th National Convention here, Oct. 5-11, will receive nation-
wide radio and television coverage over the ABC network, C. D. DeLoach, chairman of
the Legion's National Public Relations Commission, has announced.
Mr. Hoover will address the delegates at approximately 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday,
Oct. 9, and the speech will be carried live over 420 stations of the ABC radio
network.
ABC-TV camera crews will video tape Mr. Hoover's presentation, including his
introduction by National Commander Charles L. Bacon of The American Legion. This
will be shown over 165 stations of the ABC-TV network on Tuesday evening, Oct. 9
at 10:15 p.m., CST.
CHICAGO, 111. — (ALNS) The American Legion Insurance Department has pointed
out that Legionnaires insured under The American Legion Life Insurance Plan should
request their 1963 membership card numbers now.
In early November, the insured members will be asked to remit premiums for
next year and report 1963 membership card numbers before Jan. 1, 1963. In most
states no insurance benefits can be received unless a current membership is shown.
VERNON, British Columbia- —(ALNS)—The American Legion's International Amity
Award has been presented to Jack Pothecary, president, Pacific Command of The Royal Canadian Legion, in a ceremony here Sept. 2. The award was created by The American Legion as a means of giving recognition for outstanding service in the field of
veterans' affairs and for contributions made in the development of international good will and comradeship between the veterans' organizations of other nations and
The American Legion. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 300 INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-21-62
INDIANAPOLIS-—(ALNS)---Three 1962 American Legion Baseball performers have been signed to 1963 contracts by the Cincinnati Reds. All three of the Legion players will report to the 1961 National League champions' farm club at Tampa, Fla.
Billy Jack Stinchcomb, a six foot, 170 lb. right hander from Denton, Tex., also played on the 1961 Texas department championship team. In two years of Legion ball, he compiled a record of 16-4 with a 2.24 ERA. Stinchcomb played ball for
Arthur 0. McNltzky Post 71 in Denton.
Fast balling Tom Frondorf, a right hander, was a valuable member of Cincinnati's
Robert E. Bentley Post 50 for the past two seasons. During that time he elbowed a 17-3 record which included two no-hitters.
Bill McCool, a sensational southpaw from Lawrenceburg, Ind., had a composite record of 26 wins against but four losses the past two seasons, including two no-hitters this year. McCool, who played American Legion Baseball for David
McAllister Post 239 in Lawrenceburg, averaged 14 strikeouts per game. In one game he struck out 19 opposing batters.
MULBERRY, Fla. — (ALNS)- —Mulberry Memorial Post 72 of The 'merican Legion and its Auxiliary Unit here have celebrated with proper ceremony the burning of the $40,000 mortgage on their post home. 301 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE REIEASE 9-21-62
NORMAN, Okla. — (AINS)— More than 1000 legionnaires attended the second
American Legion Leadership College conducted here, September 14-16, under the
auspices of the Oklahoma American Legion. The college was held at the ultra-modern
"Center for Continuing Education" at the University of Oklahoma.
Past National Chaplain Dr. Tom B. Clark acted as dean of the college, while
Past National Executive Committeeman Coleman Nolen served as the college's president.
Both men are past department commanders of the Sooner State.
The commencement address was given by National Vice Commander Wilson H.
Morrison of The American Legion, Detroit, Michigan.
The college teaching staff consisted of Department Adjutant A. R. Tyner, Jr.,
and other Oklahoma Legionnaires around the state. Prank L. Megnin from the Legion's
National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Ihd., spoke on "Public Relations and com-
munity Service."
During the college two impressive demonstrations were performed by an in-
itiation team from American Legion Post 1, Tulsa, Okla., and by a funeral service
ritual team from American Legion Post 105, Bartlesville, Okla.
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Skydivers, the highly skilled United States Army
parachute team, will not appear at The American Legion's kk-tfo annual National Con-
vention here, Oct. 5-11, as previously announced. Legion officials have announced
that "due to circumstances beyond our control, the appearance of the Skydivers has
been cancelled."
However, the Thunderbirds, the United States Air Force official precision
formation aerobatic team, are still scheduled to put on a show over the Convention
city on Oct. 9, starting at 2:00 p. m. as originally announced. 302 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-21-62
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) The 12th edition of The American Legion's education i and scholarship handbook, "Need a Lift?", is now available for distribution to
local high schools and libraries as a post project during American Education Week,
November 11-17. The handbook contains information about hundreds of college and
vocational school scholarships for qualified high school students.
This revised publication for the 1962-63 school year, compiled with the
cooperation of 172 national organizations, is recognized as one of the most complete
and up-to-date sources of career and scholarship information available in the United
States.
The Legion's National Americanism Commission recommends that Legion posts
secure a copy of the revised 100-page handbook for each local high school and library.
Then through the use of a news release, posts are urged to bring the availability
of "Need a Lift?" to the attention of all persons in the community.
Included in the 12th edition is a summary of state laws which offer educa-
tional benefits as well as most national organizations providing scholarships for
students to further their education.
American Legion posts are encouraged to secure five copies of "Need a Lift?" ,
for $1.00 by writing to The American Legion, Education and Scholarship Program,
Dept. S, P. 0. Box 1055, Indianapolis 6, Indiana.
Posts that purchase the five copies of the handbook will also receive a
similar1 number of Junior GI Bill posters suitable for posting in schools and
libraries. Also included in the packet will be a suggested news release for local
newspapers, radio and television stations, which will enable posts to bring this
American Legion service to the attention of all persons in the community, thereby
offering to parents and students the opportunity to share the valuable information
contained in "Need a Lift?" 303 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-21-62
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) The National Americanism Commission of The Ameri- can Legion has announced that four cash awards of $100 each have been made for the best Legion post scrapbooks on the observance of Independence Day, July 4, 1962.
With the cooperation of the New York Community Trust and its director, Ralph Hayes, the 1962 Fourth of July Celebration Program has been completed and judged in accord- ance with rules approved by the Legion's National Americanism Commission.
The 1962 post scrapbook winners are; Karl Ross Post 16, Stockton, Calif.;
Loyal Service Post 37, McAllen, Tex.; Bonnie Sloan Post 28, New Albany, Ind., and
Massapequa Post 1066, Massapequa, N.Y.
Following the Legion's 44th National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., Oct.
5-11, all posts entering scrapbooks will receive a certificate of appreciation.
WASHINGTON (ALNS) The Veterans Administration has informed The Ameri- can Legion that some two million disabled veterans will start receiving checks for increased compensation amounting to $98 million yearly, on or about October 31.
President John F. Kennedy signed into law an American Legion supported bill on Sept. 7, giving an average 9.4 per cent increase in the compensation rates for veterans disabled in service.
Under terms of the new law, provision is made in the October payment for a special increase which amounts to a three month retroactive sum. This applies to the
October checks only.
Veterans Administrator John S. Gleason Jr., has stressed that there is no need for veterans to contact the VA. The compensation checks are being processed automatically with electronic data processing equipment so that the checks received by veterans with service connected disabilities about Oct. 31, will contain the first of the increases. 304 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-28-62
LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL
Approximately 100 staff members of the National Headquarters of The American Legion will arrive in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 29, via TWA chartered aircraft, to set up temporary headquarters for the Legion's 44th annual National Convention Oct. 5-11. This is the first time the Legion's National Headquarters has employed this means of transportation to move the headquarters' staff to and from a convention city.
Five more departments have qualified for The American Legion's 1963 "Early Bird" membership award: South Dakota, Delaware, Kansas, Nevada, and Indiana.
The American Legion's National Child Welfare Commission has announced the availability of two new publications, "Challenge of Change" and "Youth Employment," which are now available to departments upon request in sufficient quantity for Legion post and Auxiliary unit distribution.
The United States Congress has passed The American Legion supported Armed Forces enlistment oath bill (HE-218), requiring enlistees into the Armed Forces to take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Thirty-six of the 75 players listed on the three contending teams by Commissioner Ford C. Frick as being eligible for the 1962 World Series com- peted in American Legion Baseball, The New York Yankees, the American League winner for the third straight year, boast of 16 graduates of the youth training program on their squad list. In the National League the Los Angeles Dodgers have 13 graduates, while the still contending San Francisco Giants (Sept. 27) have seven former Legion Baseball performers.
Department Commander Percy A. Lemoine of the Louisiana American Legion is presently recovering from injuries received in a recent automobile accident that proved fatal to the driver of the other car involved. 305 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-28-62 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
IAS VEGAS, Nev. —(ALMS) Approximately 100 staff members of the National
Headquarters of The American Legion will arrive here Sept. 29, via IWA chartered aircraft, to set up temporary headquarters for the Legion's W-th annual National
Convention, Oct. 5-H« This is the first time the Legion's National Headquarters has employed this means of transportation to move the headquarters' staff to and from a convention city.
Beginning Monday, Oct. 1, and running through the convention period, the
National Headquarters offices will be housed in the Exhibit Hall of the Las Vegas
Convention Center. The telephone number is RE-5-5151.
Staffers will tend to the necessary items of official business to be trans- acted prior to the opening meeting in the Las Vegas Convention Center and help prepare such matters as will be considered on the convention floor.
Prominent speakers at the convention sessions include: Honorable Harry S.
Truman, the 33rd President of the United States; J. Edgar Hoover, director of the
Federal Bureau of Investigation; John C. Satterfield, former president of the
American Bar Association; George Meany, president of the AFL-CIO; Gen. David M.
Shoup, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps; and Sam M. Fleming, president of the American Bankers Association.
Atty. Gen. .Robert F. Kennedy has accepted an invitation to be the guest of honor and to address the National Commander's dinner, at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 9, in the
Nevada Room of the Flamingo Hotel.
Scheduled speakers for Tuesday, Oct. 9, who will bring greetings include:
Mrs. J. Howard McKay, National President of the American Legion Auxiliary; Mrs.
Hazel A. Blanchard, president of the National Education Association; W. J. Driver, deputy administrator of the Veterans Administration; Ellsworth H. Augustus, president of the National Council Boys Scouts of America, and Col. Jack L. Warner, president of Warner Brothers Pictures. 1962 American Legion National Convention (continued) ..... page 2
Salute to Youth
Four outstanding representatives of the Legion's citizenship and youth training activities will be introduced at the opening session on Tuesday Oct.
They are: Miss Patricia Ann Turner of Muskogee, Okla., the 1962 national champion of the National High School Oratorical Contest; H. Pettus Randall of Tuscaloosa, Ala., president of the 17th annual Boys Nation; William Matan of St. Louis, Mo., American
Legion Baseball Player of the Year; and Eagle Scout Bernard A. Roy of Millis, Mass.
Big Parade Oct. 8
The big American Legion National Convention parade - the granddaddy of them all - will step off at 10:00 a.m., Monday, Oct. 8. Championship Legion drum and bugle corps, bands, and marching units will feature the four to six hour spectacle, along with crack military units and musical groups.
Delegate strength
Official delegate strength for the 1962 National Convention will be 3>015 with a like number of alternates. This represents an increase of 18 over last year's figure. Pennsylvania will have the largest department delegation, with 255 Legion- naires in its voting bloc.
Music, Pageantry
Hundreds of competing uniformed groups . . . drum and bugle corps, bands, color guards, firing squads, drill teams and choruses will participate in the national contests this year. The finals of the Junior Drum and Bugle Corps com- petition will be Saturday, Oct. 6, at 7:00 p.m. The finals of the Senior Drum and Bugle Corps competition and the 1962 "Parade of Champions" will be Sunday, Oct. 7, starting at 7:00 p.m. Both are scheduled to be held at Cashman Field Stadium. 307 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-28-62
INDIANAPOLIS — (ALNS)—- The American Legion's National Child Welfare Commission has announced the availability of two new child welfare publications. Both are available to departments upon request in sufficient quantity for Legion post and Auxiliary unit distribution. "Challenge of Change," an attractive 16 page booklet, contains a summary of the 1963 child welfare objectives of The American Legion and is prepared in a manner suitable for use by posts and units. The seven child welfare objectives covered are: 1. An Active Child Welfare Chairman in Every Post. 2. Youth Employment. 3. Juvenile Delinquency. k. Youth Physical Fitness. 5. Mentally 111 Children. 6. Adoptions. 7. Physically Handicapped Children. "Youth Employment," an eight page brochure, is a new addition to the "Child Welfare in Your Community" series and has been prepared especially for posts and units as a guide to developing community services in an effort to improve employment opportunities for young people.
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS)—— Five more departments of The American Legion have qualified for the 1963 "Early Bird" membership award. Newcomers this week include: South Dakota, Delaware, Kansas, Nevada and Indiana. Hawaii and Alabama qualified for the award last week. To be an rtEarly Bird" for 1963, American Legion Departments must have on record at the Legion's National Headquarters by 9:00 a.m., Oct. 11, 1962, Las Vegas time, a membership exceeding their 1962 membership as of Oct. 11, 1961, by at least one member or 15 per cent of their 1963 incentive goal, whichever is greater. 308 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P. O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-28-62
WASHINGTON (ALNS) The United States Congress has passed The American
Legion supported Armed Forces enlistment oath bill (HR-218), requiring enlistees into the Armed Forces to take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the
United States.
Sen. Strom Thurmond (D-S.C.), floor manager of the bill, stated: "We are merely trying to make the oath for enlisted men the same as for officers and civilian officials, including Senators and others."
Clarence H. Olson, director of the National Legislative Division, as early as July 18, 1962, called for additional Legion support (The National Executive
Committee resolution No. 30, approved in May 1962, was already a matter of record ) by stating: "We anticipate objection to the bill by certain organizations which believe the inclusion of the phrase, »so help me God,* to be an abridgement of freedom of religion. It will be appreciated if you will help communicate imme- diately with Senator Thurmond support of HR-218, as passed by the House of Repre- sentatives."
Further demonstration of The American Legion1s ability to help the Congress with legislative information occurred during the discussions of the now apparently shelved College Academic Facilities Act (HR-8900). The National Legislative Division contacted Congress directly with telegrams Sept. 19, informing that body of Legion Resolution No. 85 (passed during the 1961 National Convention) which voted to retain in the National Defense Education Act of 1958, without compromise, a test of loyalty to the United States, including an affidavit disclaiming communist affiliation at any time or of any nature.
Title II of the proposed College Academic Facilities Act would have estab- lished a new and separate loan program with no loyalty provisions whatsoever. The American Legion felt this would leave the National Defense Education Act to "die on the vine," especially at those schools which had voiced objections to the loyalty and disclaimer provisions of the NDEA.
Telephone calls from members of Congress and other interested parties state that the telegrams from the National Legislative Commission were very effective in the outcome of the vote. On Sept. 20, the House debated the issue and voted 214 to 186 to recommit the bill to conference for the purpose of striking the student loan and scholarships provisions from the bill. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 3^ INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411
National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-28-62
INDIANAPOLIS —(ALUS)— Thirty-six of the 75 players listed on the three
contending teams by Commissioner Ford C. Frick as being eligible for the 1962 World
Series competed in American Legion Baseball.
The New York Yankees, the American League winner for the third straight
year, boast of 16 graduates of the youth training program on their squad list.
The league leading Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League find 13 on their
roster and the still contending San Francisco Giants (Sept. 27) have seven former
American Legion Baseball performers.
Yankees include: Marshall Bridges, Tex Clevenger, Jim Coates, Buddy Daley,
Bill Stafford, Ralph Terry, Bob Turley, John Blanchard, Cletis Boyer, Tony Kubek,
Phil Linz, Bobby Richardson, Bill Skowron, Tom Tresh, Yogi Berra and Roger Maris.
Horace Stoneham's hirelings include: Don Larsen, Mike McCormick, Stu
Miller, Billy O'Dell, Billy Pierce, Ed Bailey and Harvey Kuenn. Dodger repre-
sentatives are: Don Drysdale, Ron Perranoski, Ed Roebuck, Larry Sherry, Stan
Williams, John Roseboro, Norm Sherry, Larry Burright, Andy Carey, Ron Fairly, Daryl
Spencer, Wally Moon and Lee Walls.
Manager Ralph Houk and Coaches Jim Hegan and Johnny Sain of the Yankees;
Coach Pete Reiser of Los Angeles and Manager Al Dark plus Coaches Larry Jansen,
Whitey Lockman and Wes Westrum all played American Legion Baseball in their youth.
BALTIMORE, Md. — (ALNS)—- Making his first major league start, Dave
McNally, 19, hurled a two-hit, 3-0 win over the Kansas City Athletics on Wednesday,
Sept. 26. McNally, a i960 stalwart graduate of American Legion Baseball, played for
Yellowstone Post k, Billings, Mont. An $80,000 bonus southpaw who was 15-11 with
Elmira of the Class A Eastern League this season, McNally in his first major league
start retired the last 17 men in order. The game took only one hour and 32 minutes. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 310 INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P. O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-28-62
FARGO, N.D. (ALNS) — The Worth Dakota American Legion, having recorded
a percentage of 1*5.08, has been declared the winner of the Franklin D'Olier Trophy.
The American Legion annually awards the trophy to that department which has
attained the highest percentage of eligible ex-servicemen for the period January
of each year to that day that is 30 days prior to the National Convention (Sept. 10,
this year).
On that date, the Flickertail State had a membership of 27,948 while the
number of eligible ex-servicemen in the state numbered 62,000.
CHICAGO, 111. —(ALNS)— The American Legion Insurance Department, early
in November, will mail insurance renewal notices to over 50,000 Legionnaires insured
under The American Legion Life Insurance Plan.
Legionnaires will be requested to pay their premiums and report their 1963
membership card numbers before Jan. 1, 1963.
For details on the insurance plan, write to: The American Legion Insurance
Department, P. 0. Box 5609, Chicago 80, 111.
SEATTLE, Wash. — (ALNS)— David A. York, a junior at the University of
Washington, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Washington American Legion,
Department Adjutant Fred M. Juecker has announced. This is the first time such an award has been made by the department.
Application for the scholarship was made through the Booker T. Washington
Post 188 of Seattle, and approved by Department Child Welfare Chairman Edward M.
Ways of Spokane. 311 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 1055 • ME 5-8411
National Headquarters FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9-28-62 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
AKRON, Ohio — -(ALNS) Few men have much to do with uniforms once they've reached the age of retirement, but Harold H. Joel is an exception. Joel, an em- ployee of the Goodyear lire and Rubber Co. here, retired last February and since that time has been more active than ever in The American Legion —especially in
Akron Post 209.
World War I ended three months after Joel entered the infantry, so his active military career was brief. He has been a Legionnaire, however, for 29 years. He
served as post commander a year and also as district commander, taking in posts in
Summit and Portage Counties.
The 36-year Goodyear veteran is also on the department executive committee, president of the Past Commanders Club, has been a delegate to the National American
legion Convention for the past 20 years and played in the post drum corps "when I was younger," Joel said.
He estimates that he wears the Legion uniform between 20 and 25 hours a week
on Legion work.
BATON ROUGE, La. (ALNS) Department Commander Percy A. Lemoine of the
Louisiana American Legion is presently recovering from injuries received in a recent
automobile accident that proved fatal to the driver of the other car involved.
State troopers investigating the wreck reported that physical evidence
indicated that the driver of the other car was on the wrong side of the road at the time of the accident.
Lemoine, elected department commander of Louisiana's 47,000 Legionnaires at the 1962 department convention, is-also chairman of The American Legion's National
Child Welfare Commission.