•44 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 5-7-65
Membership strength in The American Legion for 1965 has every indication of pro- ducing gain by close of the books on Dec. 31, National Executive Committee informed.
***** A detailed report on expanding American Legion membership eligibility, prepared by a special study committee, is receiving wide public attention as result of step-up in U.S. involvement in Viet Nam and the Dominican Republic.
***** National Rehabilitation Chairman Robert M. McCurdy has declared that "The American Legion is not ready to compromise whatsoever on the closing of any VA region- al office." ***** The Legion petitions President Johnson to curtail Bureau of the Budget in its unauthorized effort to originate and influence policies and practices of other governmental agencies. ***** Seed sacks of "growing money" totaling $50,000 presented to the Legion by the American Legion Auxiliary for use in veteran rehabilitation and child welfare programs. ***** Disarmament is definitely not a pattern within his "design" for United States' survival, Gen. Thomas S. Power, USAF (Ret.), has informed Legion leaders.
***** In response to current endeavors in Congress to revise U.S. immigration program, Legion sets forth five principles for consideration in event of amendment of existing legislation involving immigration.
***** Enthusiastic conmendation from Legion given to President Johnson's 'prompt and decisive' action to protect American lives endangered by rebellion in Dominican Republic. *****
The Legion declares support of continued unilateral action, if necessary, by U.S. to prevent another Communist-controlled government in the western hemisphere.
***** The American Legion, a national spokesman for the country's children, outlines its 1966 child welfare program encompassing child safety, juvenile delinquency, day care, outdoor recreation, and emotionally disturbed children
***** NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 00145 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84U National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-7-65
INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)--- Membership strength in The American Legion for I965 has every indication of producing a gain by the close of the books on Dec. 31, the
National Executive Committee has been informed. National Membership Chairman Earl D.
Franklin, Jr., reported to the NEC on May 5 here, that Legion membership for that date was 2,^19,337, a gain of 13,7^5 over the enrollment for the same date in 196^.
Chairman Franklin attributed consistent gain which has been recorded all year to several factors, including:
1. The dedicated leadership by National Commander Donald E. Jobnson, together with the understanding support which he has given the efforts of the National Member- ship and Post Activities Committee.
2. The National Membership Workshop last August which helped to stimulate earlier membership work and more complete planning.
3. Progress in the campaign to charter new American Legion Posts to replace those which have withered away and to serve veterans living in areas which are not now being adequately covered by The American Legion.
He announced that this year's National Membership Workshop would be July 27-28 at National Headquarters in Indianapolis. One of the major points of emphasis will be methods to find, interest, enroll, and keep the new member.
INDIANAPOLIS —-(ALNS)— A special study committee submitted to the NEC a
UO-page report on the question of whether or not The American Legion should change its eligibility requirements to admit veterans of current military actions. As a fact finding body, the special committee did not attempt to reach any final conclusion on this question, but pointed out that the authority to change eligibility require- ments rests with the annual National Convention which this year will be in Portland,
Ore., Aug. 20-26. (MORE) Special Study Committee Report continued page 2
The American Legion was formed by Veterans of World War I in March 1919, and
until 19^2 limited its membership entirely to men and women who had served honorably
in the military forces of the United States between April 6, 1917, and November 11,
1918, the dates of the actual shooting war. When membership was opened to World War
II, the dates of actual hostilities were again used — December 7, 19^1, to Septem-
ber 2, I9U5. A second change in eligibility requirements was subsequently made to
open membership ranks to Korean War veterans who served between June 25, 1950, and July 27, 1953.
The fact finding committee has pointed out that combat conditions now exist in
Viet Nam, but that there has been no declaration of war nor designation of a national
emergency. The committee felt that the Legion should retain its historic character
as an organization of war veterans. Only the delegates to the National Convention
will have the authority to determine whether the present situation, or any prior or
future situation requires a change in the eligibility provisions of The American
Legion Constitution.
The fact-finding committee in the closing sentence of its report recommended that, if a change is made, August 5, 1964, be the date for opening eligibility. This was the date of the U. S. retaliatory attack on North Viet Nam forces in the Gulf of Tonkin.
All that has transpired during this session of The American Legion's National
Executive Committee on the matter of membership eligibility has been the submission of the report by the special committee appointed to study this matter, reports to the contrary notwithstanding.
The report vas received by the National Executive Committee, but no action was taken either to grant or to deny any change in the membership eligibility require- ments, and no such action can or will be taken until the 1965 National Convention of The American Legion scheduled for August 20-26 in Portland, Oregon, at the very earliest. 0.0147 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84U National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-7-65
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS)-— The American Legion is not ready to compromise
whatsoever on the closing of any Veterans Administration regional office, National
Rehabilitation Chairman Robert M. McCurdy has declared to members of the National
Executive Committee. In his report made at the final session of the spring meeting
here, McCurdy noted that the Legion has traditionally supported a minimum of one
VA regional office in each state.
Taking cognizance of the fact that the Bureau of the Budget appears to be
dedicated to the elimination of the veterans program and to the disintegration of
the VA, NEC approval was given to a resolution petitioning President Lyndon B.
Johnson to curtail the Bureau of the Budget in its unauthorized effort to originate
and influence policies and practices of other agencies of the government. The reso-
lution further petitions the President to negate and cancel, forthwith, the unin-
formed, ill-advised and uneconomic attempt of the Bureau of the Budget to close VA
hospitals, domiciliaries, and regional offices.
The NEC also resolved that the Legion shall sponsor and support legislation,
establishing a "floor" of 17,000 VA domiciliary beds and a "floor" of 125,000 VA
hospital beds.
Opposing "cross-servicing" and seeking legislation to prevent VA from
hospitalizing non-veterans at the expense of veterans, The American Legion called
upon the VA Administrator to examine the legality and propriety of an arrangement
whereby the admission of eligible war veterans to VA hospitals is delayed or denied
so that non-veterans can be provided care. If necessary, the Legion stated that
it would sponsor and support legislation to prevent the VA from conducting a
hospital program within its facilities for non-veterans.
(MORE) 00148
Rehabilitation Resolutions Approved (continued page 2)
Other Rehabilitation Resolutions Approved
Other resolutions passed requested that the VA Administrator authorize issuance of a medical emergency signal device to those veterans whose critical medical problem is service-connected; supported the enactment of H.R. 1077, a bill to provide that members of the Armed Forces shall be retired in the highest grade satisfactorily held in any Armed Force of the United States; supported legislation to increase travel allowance for VA beneficiaries; and endorsed a change in VA regulations to permit recoupment of severance pay at less than the full rate of disability compensation payable to ease economic hardship in an individual case.
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) In approving the report of the National Con- vention Commission, The American Legion's National Executive Committee has released a tentative National Convention schedule as follows: Portland, Ore. (Aug. 20-26,
1965); Washington, D.C. (Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 1966) and New York City (Sept. 1-7, 1967).
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS)— The 1965 fall meeting of The American Legion's
National Executive Committee will be conducted at National Headquarters here, on
Oct. 6-7. The Commanders and Adjutants Conference and the meetings of the standing commissions and committees will take place on Oct. 4-5. •49 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters * *^ jib
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-7-65
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) Seed sacks full of corn and "growing money"
totaling $50,000 have been presented to The American Legion by the American Legion
Auxiliary for use in the veteran rehabilitation and child welfare programs. Presen-
tation of the three "seed" checks were made by National President Mrs. Walter Wild
Andrews to National Commander Donald E. Johnson at the opening spring meeting ses-
sion of the Legion's National Executive Committee.
In making the unusual presentation Mrs. Andrews said, "As we plant the
$20,000 check for the rehabilitation program we hope that it will grow into a
brighter tomorrow for America's disabled veterans."
The National President also noted that the seed check of $10,000 for the
Child Welfare Foundation is "growing money" for America's children . . . for as-
sistance to those in need and for research to find the answers to the problems vrhich
beset them. "As they grow tall in life, so do we hope that this seed grows pro-
portionately," she said.
A third check in the amount of $20,000 will go to help the Legion's program
of direct assistance to needy children of veterans.
"It is the hope of all of us that these gifts from your American Legion Aux-
iliary will grow to be as high as Iowa corn," Mrs. Andrews concluded.
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) Speaking briefly before the opening spring session
of The American Legion's National Executive Committee, Gov. Warren P. Knowles of
Wisconsin has declared that there must be "a strong Americanism fight against com-
munism in the weeks and months ahead."
Governor Knowles who wears the Legion cap of Post 80, New Richmond, Wis.,
pointed out that all Legionnaires should readily accept the challenge by helping to
educate "our youth in the American philosophy." K-tJ0150 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84U National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-7-65
INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS) — Disarmament is definitely not a pattern within his
"design" for United States' survival, Gen. Thomas S. Power, USAF (Ret.), has in-
formed leaders of The American Legion here.
Speaking at National Commander Donald E. Johnson's banquet for the Legion's
National Executive Committee, the former commander of the Strategic Air Command
declared that prevention of nuclear war is possible only through a posture of over-
whelming military strength.
"I am 180 degrees diametrically opposed to any form of disarmament," General
Power stated. "Disarmament has never worked . . . it is devoid of logic. Do we
recommend getting rid of fire departments in order to get rid of fire? Do we ad-
vocate abolishment of police departments to abolish crime? Shall we dismiss our
doctors and close down our hospitals to get rid of disease?"
When asked about the possibility of success of a United Nations "peace force"
in a disarmed world, the former SAC boss explained that, even if such an arrangement
ever became a reality, the great force of such military power would be in the hands
of one man or one organization and then possibly exploited against militarily weak-
ened nations.
Praising the past record of the deterrent capability of SAC, the man who once
commanded 90 per cent of America's nuclear might pointed out that the U. S. has not
been subjected to nuclear war because "we have had — and still have — overwhelming
military superiority."
"You don't build this type of military posture overnight," he declared. "It's
taken us 20 years to achieve this capability. I hope we can keep it. We won't If
we don't get a new bomber." General Power was referring to the rapidly approaching
obsolescence of SAC's bombers. He expressed his hopes that some of the new F-lll
will be assigned to SAC as replacement. Vy 0151 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-7-55
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) In response to current endeavors in the Congress
to revise the immigration program of the United States, The American Legion has set
forth five principles for consideration in the event of amendment of existing legis-
lation involving immigration:
1. The control of immigration should remain with the Congress of the United States.
2. There is a need to continue the safeguards which would protect the U.S.
from receiving an imbalance of immigrants from any country.
3. The total number of immigrants admitted annually should not exceed the
average number per year during the last 10 years, basing first of said admissions
upon the annual 10-year average admitted under the Quota System plus allocating
the balance to the first-come-first-served preference system of all immigrants, regardless of origin or country.
4. Retain the current provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, pertaining to the naturalization processes.
5. Support the provision of Section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality
Act pertaining to the security of the U. S. and the exclusion of undesirables.
These five principles were adopted by the National Executive Committee of the Legion in its approval of Resolution 44 during its spring meeting, May 5-6, here.
Other actions taken by the NEC in conjunction with the Americanism report included support of the J. Edgar Hoover Foundation and its administration of the J.
Edgar Hoover Library at Freedoms Foundation, Valley Forge, Pa.; opposition to rallies and demonstrations against President Johnson's Viet Nam policy; and op- position to civilian review boards of police forces. 00158 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters ■ \W3L8 mssm AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-7-65
INDIANAPOLIS — (ALNS)—President Johnson's "prompt and decisive" action
to protect American lives endangered by the recent rebellion in the Dominican
Republic has received enthusiastic commendation from The American Legion. By action
of the National Executive Committee, meeting May 5-6, here, the Legion expressed
not only its commendation of the President's action, but also its support of his
determination to maintain U. S. forces there for continued protection of American
lives and property, and for the prevention of a Communist seizure of power.
Prior to its approval of Resolution 52, the NEC heard an up-to-the-minute
report from Thomas E. Whelan, chairman of the National Foreign Relations Commission
and former U. S. ambassador to Nicaragua, of the approval of the Organization of
American States to establish an inter-American force to help bring peace to the
Dominican Republic.
Pointing out that the U. S. had requested prompt QAS multilateral arrange-
ments to help restore order in the Dominican Republic, the Legion declared its
support of continued unilateral action, if necessary, by the U. S. to prevent another
Communist-controlled government in the western hemisphere.
Rising in support of the motion to adopt Resolution 52, Allyn C. Donaldson,
NECman from the District of Columbia, stated, "This is the type of action The
American Legion wanted taken in Cuba. Had that type of action been taken in Cuba,
we wouldn't be needing to take this action in the Dominican Republic.
Chairman whelan, in reporting the most recent developments from the OAS meeting,
explained that military elements for the inter-American force would take over the
policing of the Dominican Republic and that command of such a force would be
arranged by the commanders of the elements involved. 0153 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. O. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-7-65 INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) Cognizant of its increasing heavy responsibility as a national spokesman for the children of our country. The American Legion has outlined its I966 child welfare program to encompass child safety, juvenile delinquency, day care, outdoor recreation, and emotionally disturbed children.
At its spring meeting, May 5-6, here, the National Executive Committee passed a resolution urging that departments and posts in cooperation with appropriate public and private organizations study the future need for outdoor recreation, locate pos- sible areas and if necessary, start proceedings to preserve the land.
The Legion also urged department and post leadership on organized safety com- missions or committees and to actively promote needed child safety.
Noting a long and continuing interest in the field of juvenile delinquency, the Legion approved a resolution endorsing the principle of a Joint Commission for
Correctional Manpower and Training for the purpose of analyzing and re-evaluating the extent and means of resolving the critical shortage of qualified correctional manpower. The Legion also gave its support to bills in Congress that would achieve this end.
Nine million children under the age of 12 live in homes with mothers who work and that more than three million of these children are under six years of age. There- fore, the Legion again urges departments and posts to cooperate with state or com- munity public or private agencies with day care responsibilities to the end that licensed day care facilities will be made available to all children.
Congress has been urged by the Legion in another approved resolution to correct inequities in the federal reimbursement formula for child welfare services.
Dates and locations selected for the 1965-66 Area Child Welfare Conferences are: Middle Atlantic Area October 28-30, 1965 Atlantic City, N. J. Southern Area November k-6, 1965 Oklahoma City, Okla. Midwestern Area November 18-20, 1965 Lincoln, Nebraska Western Area December 2-k, 1965 Phoenix, Arizona New England Area January 6-8, 1966 Boston, Massachusetts 54 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 5-1U-65
Special Presidential committee has recommended that the VA keep open 5 of 11 hospitals it planned to close and two of four domiciliaries also tagged for closing.
* * * * * The House has added $23.5 million to VA money bill to finance possible opera- tion of any or all hospitals and regional offices now scheduled for July 1 closing.
***** Legion's National Security Commission plans visitations to defense install- ations in West Coast area prior to National Convention Aug. 20-26, Portland, Ore.
***** South Carolina is designated lead-off department for Legion's big National Convention parade, Aug. 23, in Portland, Ore.
***** Approval of six International Amity Awards for 1965 given by Legion's National Executive Committee at spring meeting in Indianapolis, Ind.
***** Low-cost tours to show off Oregon's incomparable scenery arranged for Legion- naires and families attending 1965 National Convention, Aug. 20-26, in Portland.
***** Bowling, for first time, will be an approved recreational activity at Legion's conclave in Portland, Ore. ***** Department of New Hampshire has been designated host for 1966 national finals of Legion's National High School Oratorical Contest.
***** More than 10,000 marchers expected to take part in five-hour parade launching Legion's Vfth National Convention in Portland, Ore.
***** The I96U American Legion Baseball graduate of the year is Brooks Robinson, third baseman of the Baltimore Orioles.
***** Vigorous Legion action has resulted in preservation of necessary appropriations for continuation of Veterans Employment Service during 1966. ***** City of Roses is going all out to decorate streets and buildings as part of pageantry and salute to America's war veterans during Legion gathering Aug.20-26, Portland, Ore. ***** Extension tours to outer islands of Hawaii, Japan, Tahiti and around the world will follow Pacific Pilgrimage to Hawaii at conclusion of Legion's Portland, Ore., Na- tional Convention. ™5S NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-1^-65
WASHINGTON —-(ALNS)—- A special Presidential committee has recommended that the Veterans Administration keep open 5 of the 11 hospitals it planned to close. Sen.
Milton R. Young (R-N.D.), a member of the committee, has said that his group also recommended keeping open two of four VA domiciliaries tagged for closing and at least one regional VA office in each state.
The special group was appointed by President Johnson to look into the situation after protests were raised in Congress over the planned closing of 11 VA hospitals, k domiciliaries and 16 regional offices.
Committee Inspects Facilities
After the special committee's trips into the areas involved, its recommenda- tion, subject to President Johnson's concurrence, is that the VA keep open hospitals in Bath, N.Y.; Castle Point, N.Y.; Grand Junction, Colo.; Lincoln, Neb.; and Miles
City, Mont.
Regional offices included in the recommendation for continued operation are: Wilmington, Del.; Reno, Nev.; White River Junction, Vt.; Manchester, N.H.; Sioux Falls, S.D.; Juneau, Alaska; Cheyenne, Wyo.; and Fargo, N.D.
Under the recommendation, domiciliaries which would be kept open are located at Bath, N.Y., and White City, Ore. Recommended for closure are homes at Clinton, Iowa, and Thomasville, Ga.
The hospitals the committee agreed should be closed are located at Brecksville, Ohio; Dwight, 111.; McKinney, Tex.; Rutland Heights, Mass.; Ft. Bayard, N.M.; and Sunmount, N.Y. Earlier, Senator Young had said the hospital at Fort Bayard, N.M., also was on the list of hospitals recommended for retention by the committee. How- ever, other committee sources said flatly this was in error.
House Adds $23.5 Million to VA Money Bill
Meanwhile, the House has added $23.5 million to a VA money bill to finance possible operation of any or all of the hospitals and regional offices now scheduled for closing on July 1.
However, even if the Senate goes along with the House, the funds would not have to be spent since the legislation is permissive rather than a directive. But it gives the President leeway if he decides to keep the facilities open. 1.56 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84H National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE REIEASE 5-1^-65
PORTLAND, Ore. — (ALNS) — The National Security Commission of The African
legion has announced plans to visit defense installations in the Portland area just
prior to the legion's National Convention here, Aug. 20-26. Security Commission
members will obtain first-hand information which has proved in the past to be of
great value in the formulation of Legion defense policy and resolutions.
This year, Commission members will tour Edwards and Vandenberg Air Force Bases
where the group will receive detailed briefings and view inter-continental ballistic
missiles, the B-70 bomber, the U,000 nup.h. X-15 airplane, and the F-lll (formerly
known as the TFX).
On Aug. 21-22, the Commission will hear civilian and military defense officials.
A highlight of the Aug. 22 meeting in the convention city will be a briefing by a
special international NATO team. The convention committees on Foreign Relations
and Americanism will join with members of the National Security Commission to hear
the NATO presentation.
PORTLAND, Ore. — (ALNS) — Following the Pacific Pilgrimage to Hawaii
after The American Legion's National Convention, Aug. 20-26, there will be extension
tours to the outer islands of Hawaii, Japan, Tahiti, and around the world. The
itineraries for these tours have been designed to meet the requirements of Legion-
naires and are priced to take advantage of group travel discounts.
Full information on the optional extension tours may be secured by writing
Legionnaire Charles G. Braden, All Travel Inc., P. 0. Box AB, Honolulu, Hawaii
96815. v»» 1157 from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84H National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-1U-65
INDIANAPOLIS The South Carolina American Legion has been designated the lead-
off department for the 1965 big National Convention parade on Monday, Aug. 23, in
Portland, Ore. By posting a total membership of 21,888 or 102.83 per cent of their
previous four-year average of 21,285 by May 1, Palmetto State Legionnaires have
earned the "pole position" for the 47th National Convention parade.
The Department of South Carolina is also the winner of the Bodenhamer Trophy, awarded annually to the department, other than the foreign departments, which achieves first place in the convention parade position.
The Louisiana American Legion by recording 102.14 per cent of its previous year's total membership by May 1 has been declared the winner of the Legion's John G. Emery Trophy Award. The Pelican State on May 1 reported a I965 enrollment of kk,139, as compared to a 196I+ total membership of 1+3,803.
Here is the parade order for the 52 departments and their percentage of four-year average. By action of the National Executive Committee, the foreign departments (Canada, Panama, Mexico, Italy, Philippines and France) will be in a block ahead of the continental departments. Host department, Oregon, will march last.
1. South Carolina 102.83 27. North Carolina 92.58 2. Ohio 98.99 28. New Hampshire 92.05 3. Alabama 98.98 29. New York 91.89 k. Hawaii 98.74 30. Pennsylvania 91.80 5. Oklahoma 98.66 31. Mississippi 91.65 6. Minnesota 98. U7 32. Nebraska 91.61+ 7. Louisiana 97.80 33. Montana 91.30 8. Michigan 96.85 34. Illinois 91.21+ 9. Indiana 96.82 35. Missouri 90.92 10. Iowa 96.66 36. Texas 90.16 11. Connecticut 96.51 37. Oregon 89.98 12. Maryland 95.98 38. New Mexico 89.86 13 Florida 95.67 39. California 89.61 Ik. Wisconsin 95.66 ko. West Virginia 89.30 15. Utah 95.21+ 1+1. Massachusetts 89.19 16. South Dakota 95.13 k2. Vermont 89.13 17. Virginia 95.09 1+3. Georgia 88.57 18. Arkansas 94.95 kk. Arizona 88.1+5 19. Rhode Island 9I+.83 U5. Washington 88.16 20. North Dakota 94.37 If 6. Tennessee 87.^9 21. New Jersey 94.36 1+7. Colorado 86.81+ 22. Kansas 94.08 k8. Wyoming 85.03 23. Delaware 9i+.06 h9. Puerto Rico 8I+.76 2k. Maine 93.92 50. Nevada 83.11+ 25. Alaska 93.37 51. Kentucliy 82.73 26. Idaho 92.78 52. District of Columbia 81.92 58 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-1^-65
INDIANAPOLIS — (AIMS) — The National Executive Committee of The American
Legion, at its spring meeting at National Headquarters here, gave its approval to
presentation of six International Amity Awards for 1965.
This year*s recipients are: Maj. Gen. Bouhon Julien (Belgium), General of
the Armies Martial Valin (France), Gen. Jacques P. L. DeGrancey (France), Henry J.
Harvey (Canada), Fred T. O'Brecht (Canada) and Ian Beresford (Canada).
The International Amity Award was created in 1961 as a means of recognition
for outstanding service in the fields of veterans affairs and for contributions made
in the development of international good will and comradeship between The American
Legion and the veterans organization of other nations.
RUTLAND, Mass. —(AIMS)—- When first news reached Massachusetts of the
tornadoes in the Midwest, Legionnaire William Tucker and Mrs. Tucker, members of
Rutland Post 310, took it upon themselves to gather as many clothes as possible
for the disaster victims. Remembering that the people of Pittsfield, Ohio, had
assisted them in 1952 when they were victims of a tornado, the Tuckers loaded the
clothes in a trailer and took them to Pittsfield.
They were assisted in the project by Ed Storey of Post 310 and Andy Boulmetis
of Espas Post l+2l|-, Worcester, Mass.
INDIANAPOLIS —(AIMS) — - With the addition of Gov. Daniel J. Evans of
Washington, American Legion membership among the 50 state governors now stands at 36.
Governor Evans recently became a member of Seattle Post No. 1. ■1*9 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-l«+-65
PORTLAND, Ore. (ALNS) Recognizing that one of Oregon's main attractions is its incomparable scenery, 11 low-cost tours have been arranged for Legionnaires and families during the 1965 National Convention, Aug. 20-26. Norman H. Kneisel, a Portlander renowned in excursions, has been assigned the chairmanship of the tours committee.
One tour for only $16.50 features a deep sea fishing trip off the Oregon coast.
This includes all fishing gear, license and salmon tag, plus a stop for dinner at
"Over the Waves" restaurant.
Other tours include a salmon bake on the Oregon coast, an exciting loop of Mt.
Hood, a visit to Bonneville Dam on the scenic Columbia River, a drive through
Oregon's rhododendron and giant fir country to Timberline Lodge in the Cascade
Range, a cruise on the Willamette River, and a visit to Portland's Zoological
Gardens.
To accommodate the anticipated visitors, the Legion's chairman of tours will have a pool of 200 buses on which to draw, a fleet of pleasure boats, and an experienced staff of guides. Individuals wishing more details on the tours should write: Tours Committee, American Legion, National Convention Corporation of Oregon, 1119 S.W. Park Ave., Portland, Ore. 97204
Bowling Scheduled for Keglers
Bowling, for the first time, will be an approved recreational activity at the
"/7th National Convention. Arrangements have been made with 30 bowling centers, comprising the members of the Greater Portland Bowling Proprieters Association, to allow every Legionnaire or Auxiliary member registered for the convention to bowl one free line per day during the convention week. Each program book, furnished in the registration packets, will contain a coupon to be presented at the bowling center of the Legionnaire's choice which will be good for the daily free line of bowling. A sheet listing the locations of the bowling centers will also be provided.
All the bowling centers are modern, have the newest in bowling equipment, and are maintained always in tournament condition. They range in number of lanes from 10 to 50. 0160 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 s P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters i«k i' AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-14-65
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) The Department of New Hampshire will host the 1966
American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest finals on Thursday, Apr. 7,
Chairman Daniel J. O'Connor of the National Americanism Commission has announced.
The host city in the Granite State will be determined at a later date.
Four high school students will compete in the National Finals for cash scholar- ships totaling $8,000. The four finalists first have to hurdle their way through
local, district, department, regional and sectional contests.
The following dates for the 1966 oratorical competition are as follows:
a. National Regional Contest Monday, Mar. 28.
b. National Sectional Contest Monday, Apr. 4.
c. National Finals Thursday, Apr. 7.
Deadline for the Legion departments to certify their state winners into the
National Finals is Mar. 15, 1966.
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) Glenn E. Snow, veteran educator soon to retire as
assistant executive secretary of the National Education Association, has been
honored by The American Legion at a recent testimonial dinner here.
National Legion Commander Donald E. Johnson presented an award of appreciation
to Snow for his service to education and for his work as NEA assistant executive
secretary for lay relations. One of Snow's duties has been staff liaison for the
NEA with The American Legion joint committee.
The joint committee of the two organizations has been responsible for such
projects as the preparation of "Guidelines for Teaching About Communism" in secondary
schools. • UGH NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters I .s.usy AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-14-65
PORTLAND, Ore. (ALNS) The big parade that launches the 47th National
Convention of The American Legion here, Aug. 20-26, will include more than 10,000 marchers and will take about five hours to pass a given point. About 1,000 men and officers from the various military services will lead the parade, declared Maj. Gen.
W. G. Garrison, commanding general of the Army's X Corps and coordinating officer for all services at the Legion's conclave.
Plans call for the parade to step off at the Memorial Coliseum, cross the
Broadway Bridge and wind through downtown Portland for one and a quarter miles.
Ten color guards will match the bands, plus massed colors from each military
service.
Seven major marching units . . . representing the Army, the National Guard,
Navy, Air Force and Army Special Forces . . . are scheduled, along with a Marine
Corps unit from the ships expected in the harbor. The Navy has been asked to bring
in a flotilla of ships to decorate the seawall which is in the heart of Portland.
The Air Force has been asked to display major missiles including the Titan II, Thor,
Hound Dog and Quail, among others.
At the moment the head of the Legion's big parade passes the reviewing stand,
Air Force, Navy, and possibly Army aircraft are expected to fly over in an aerial
salute.
Portland is expecting the biggest parade in its history as an opener to the
largest convention the city has ever hosted. The City of Roses is going all out to
decorate its streets and its buildings as a part of the pageantry and as a salute to
America's war veterans. vx« * ^2 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-14-65 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) Brooks Robinson, third baseman of the Baltimore
Orioles and the American League's 1964 most valuable player, has been named the 1964
American Legion Baseball graduate of the year. National Commander Donald E. Johnson is scheduled to present the award to Robinson in program ceremonies at Baltimore on
June 9.
In its report to the Spring Meeting of the National Executive Committee, the
National Americanism Commission announced that the 1967 World Series of American
Legion Baseball will be played in Memphis, Tenn. Memphis Post No. 1 won the tourna- ment for its community over bids from Hastings, Neb., and Manchester, N.H.
Awards for the 1966 regional tournaments have been made as follows:
Regional 1 — Manchester, N.H. Regional 2 — Bridgeton, N.J. Regional 3 — Hampton, Va. Regional 4 — Memphis, Tenn. Regional 5 — Athens, Ohio Regional 6 — Bismarck, N.D. Regional 7 — Sheridan, Wyo. Regional 8 — Phoenix, Ariz.
Dates for the 1966 World Series, earlier awarded to Orangeburg, S.C., were
approved for Aug. 28 through Sept. 4, 1966.
The 1965 World Series, the 40th anniversary of American Legion Baseball, is
scheduled to be played this year in Aberdeen, S.D. , Aug. 31 through Sept. 6. . .i«a NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84H National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-14-65
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) Vigorous action by the National Executive Committee and the Economic and Legislative Commissions of The American Legion has resulted in the preservation of the appropriations necessary to continue the Veterans
Employment Service funds and personnel during 1966. The House of Representatives has approved the full amount of $1,708,000 for the VES budget year of 1966 and has restored the $427,000 which the Bureau of the Budget had recommended be cut from the funds necessary for the proper function of this important veteran service.
Earlier, joint action on the part of the Economic and Legislative Commissions
resulted in the adoption of Resolution 1 by the National Executive Committee at its
special session on March 1 in Washington, D. C.
Later, in an appearance before a subcommittee of the House Committee on
Appropriations on Mar. 24, John Geiger, NECman from Illinois, stated that the
Legion's National Executive Committee "earnestly and vigorously opposes this drastic
reduction in personnel and funds and urges restoration of adequate funds and person-
nel to permit the Veterans Employment Service to comply with the purpose, intent
and provisions of Title IV of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1914, as
amended."
The NEC at its Mar. 1 special session, emphasized that a reduction in the VES
staff would place an additional burden upon all employment services and would also
seriously jeopardize veterans' representation, protection, and aid in the field of
gainful employment.
The amount of money restored is exactly the amount requested by The American
Legion and the confirming action by the House Committee has assured the continuation
of the VES at full strength during a time when these services are most needed by
veterans. VV7'"*>4 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-1^-65
WASHINGTON —(ALNS)— An erroneous story being circulated by some American
Legion posts, other organizations, and newspapers on the payment of World War II
insurance dividend payments has flooded the Veterans Administration with more than
ll-00,000 inquiries.
John J. Corcoran, director of the Legion's National Rehabilitation Division
states that the widespread story on the l$kS dividend generally follows the same
pattern. Veterans are informed that if they served between 19**2 and 19^6 and carried
National Service Life Insurance (NSLl) they may be entitled to a payment of a special
dividend. The story usually urges every veteran to apply even though he feels he may
have applied and received the dividend previously.
16 Million Vets Received Dividend in 1950
Corcoran also pointed out that the dividend in question was authorized in I9U9
and was given widespread publicity at that time. Applications were invited and in
1950 about 16 million veterans received the special dividend payment. Evidence pres-
ently indicates that almost all eligible veterans did apply and were paid their proper
dividend at that time.
The VA reports that out of the more than 1*00,000 inquiries received in recent
weeks, they have found only two cases where there was any money due and the amount was
extremely small.
Heavy Expense to VA
The influx of claims has caused considerable inconvenience and expense to the VA as it has necessitated placing personnel to work on this project to reply to the inquiries. Records have long since been placed in inactive records centers and now must be secured and reviewed again. In the Philadelphia insurance center it has been necessary for the VA to rent five additional microfilm machines just to handle the workload. The cost in time and money as the result of these erroneous reports is staggering — but more important it interferes with the processing of legitimate claims within the VA. All Legion Posts are urged to act promptly to advise all veterans of the situa- tion which is causing confusion in the VA and is building up false hopes in many veterans that they are due a cash windfall. 00165 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 5-21-65
Legion National Commander Donald E. Johnson tours Vietnam and comes away with a good opinion of job being done there by Americans and South Vietnamese. ft ft ft ft The war in Vietnam is a war "of terrorism, infiltration, subversion, and invasion", National Commander Donald E. Johnson reports. * ft ft ft From conclusions made while in Vietnam, Legion National Commander Johnson states that air strikes in the north have been effective, both for "morale of our side and militarily." ft ft ft ft Keynote address at Department of Colorado convention will be made by Malcolm "Scott" Carpenter, astronaut and Legionnaire. ft ft ft ft Climaxing "Parade of Champions" during Portland Ore., National Convention will be awarding of four Ford convertibles by Seagram American Legion Posts. ft ft ft ft Widow of Oklahoma combat veteran is first person aided by new re-opened GI insurance program offered by VA. * ft ft ft Cooperation in Legion's "Bells of America Ringing for Freedom" program on July 4, urged by William J. Chisholm, chairman. ft ft ft ft National Auxiliary President Mrs. Walter Wild Andrews pins first of 20 million poppies on President Lyndon B. Johnson. ft ft ft ft Veterans with GI home loans or loans on GI insurance policies may pay off loans at any time without incurring penalty charge, VA states. ft ft ft ft Reserved space on scheduled flights from 22 major cities to Portland, Ore., will aid Legionnaires planning to make Pacific Pilgrimage to Hawaii after 47th National Convention, Aug. 20-26. A ft ft ft Legion's National Executive Committee approves renewal of long standing agreement on disaster relief with American Red Cross. ft ft ft ft Agreement with Red Cross in disaster relief activities calls for cooperation and services of Legionnaire volunteers to serve collectively as teams to operate specific facilities. ...'.1R6 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84H National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-21-65
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) Upon completion of a three-day inspection tour
of Vietnam, National Commander Donald E. Johnson of The American Legion has come
away with a good opinion of the job being done there by both the Americans and
South Vietnamese.
In a telephone interview with David Carter of radio station KCRG in Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, Commander Johnson reported that he had traveled in the field, into
the rural districts and to one of the last outposts in the Mekong River Delta
area. In the latter spot, he was able to look into Viet Cong held territory.
The helicopter in which he was a passenger had to take evasive action to
avoid guerrilla fire. "We had to purposely fly low so as not to draw fire from
the Viet Cong," he said.
The Legion Commander who saw American troops in action was thoroughly
briefed by military personnel in the area. During his short stay there he met
with U.S. Ambassador Maxwell D. Taylor, Gen. William Childs Westmoreland, and
South Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Huy Ouat.
"This is certainly a new kind of war. It is being waged in the villages,
on the military, economic and social front and every village is a front line,"
Commander Johnson said. He added that this is "not a civil war but rather a war
of infiltration, subversion, terrorism and invasion."
He reported an air of cautious optimism on the part of American personnel
while the Vietnamese are also optimistic with a firm determination that liberty
and freedom will prevail.
(MORE) — USrfr* H7t Legion Commander Tours Vietnam (Continued page 2)
Four conclusions were drawn by National Commander Johnson from his obser- vations while in Vietnam:
1. "I am proud of American personnel there, both military and nonmilitary.
They are dedicated and highly motivated, and they are writing new pages in history."
2. "The air strikes in the north have been effective. Both for morale of our own side and militarily."
3. "Some of the noise that is being made back in this country (the United
States) by those who are uninformed, or refuse to be informed, is creating a dis- service to the men serving in Vietnam."
4. "It should be understood by all American people that the Vietnamese themselves are fighting this war. They have had heavy casualities over the past
11 years but are determined to win in order to have a government of their own choosing."
The Legion Commander said that he and his party were in the air when the munitions explosion at the Bien Hoa Air Base took place and were able to see the great damage caused there. Carter of radio station KCRG said that he was not certain if Commander Johnson had taken off from that field prior to the explosion or if he was in the area in a plane when the explosion occurred.
One of the members of the National Commander's party described the after- math of the explosion as looking like a "small atom bomb cloud." NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION •'.* INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-21-65
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. —(ALNS)— Malcolm "Scott" Carpenter, astronaut
and member of The American Legion, will give the keynote address at the opening
session of the 1965 Department Convention in the Centennial State.
A native Coloradan, Carpenter made a three-orbit flight around the earth
on May 24, 1962, overshooting his intended target in the Atlantic Ocean by 250
miles. He had to take to his life raft before rescue.
PORTLAND, Ore. (ALNS) The American Legion's National Convention
Corporation of Oregon has announced the appointment of Miss Emma Zara as chair-
man for reunions attendant to the big conclave which takes place here Aug. 20-26.
Miss Zara has been office manager for the Oregon American Legion for
30 years. She will experience her second National Convention of the Legion in
her hometown of Portland; the first being in 1932.
Groups expected to hold reunions and dinners in the City of Roses
during the Legion's week here include: The American Legion Press Association
(ALPA); FRES, an association of past department commanders; Eight and Forty
Marche Nationale Banquet; Twenty and Four; Society of American Legion Founders;
World War Nurses; Historians' Breakfast; and the National Commander's Dinner for
Distinguished Guests. ,•.. '»9 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-21-65
PORTLAND, Ore. (ALNS) The Seagram American Legion Posts have again expressed their willingness and desire to conduct the traditional annual Ford awards during the 47th National Convention of The American Legion in the City of Roses,
National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore has announced.
Four new Ford convertibles will be given away to lucky Legionnaires or
Auxiliary members, as a fitting climax to the "Parade of Champions", the senior and junior drum and bugle corps finals, at Multnomah Stadium on Sunday night, Aug. 22.
This is the 19th consecutive year of the Ford Awards, sponsored by the
Seagram Posts 807, Chicago, 111.; 1283, Woodside, N.Y., and 658, Los Angeles, Calif.
— — •» •*
WASHINGTON (ALNS) The widow of an Oklahoma combat veteran is the
first person to be aided by the new re-opened GI insurance program now offered by the
Veterans Administration.
The veteran of the European Theatre during World War II had allowed his
National Service Life Insurance (NSLI) policy to lapse since the war. As a patient
during April 1965 in a VA hospital for treatment of a service-connected disability, he learned of the new VA program by which certain veterans of WWII or the Korean War
may obtain as much as $10,000 in GI insurance coverage.
On Apr. 27 from his hospital bed, he filled out an application form and mailed it, together with a month's premium payment, to the VA. The veteran died on
May 3, less than one week after he had filed his application.
Processing the policy established that the veteran had died of his service-
connected ailment and was eligible for issuance of the policy. A week after the
veteran's death, the VA delivered to his widow the full $10,000 insurance value. ■170 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84H National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-21-65
INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)— Utmost cooperation in The American Legion's positive
Americanism program, "Bells of America Ringing for Freedom," is being urged by the
program's chairman, William J. Chisholm of Denver, Colo. Bells, chimes, and carillons
are scheduled to ring out in unison as a reminder to all Americans of their heritage
of freedom on July U, Independence Day.
To promote the 1965 observance of "Bells of America Ringing for Freedom," Chair-
man Chisholm has contacted all department commanders and has asked them to obtain proc-
lamations from their governors, stating that bells should ring simultaneously with
the ringing of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Pa., at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on July k.
The chairman also noted that "this is an excellent way to remind Americans not
only of their heritage, but also of their duties and obligations as citizens of these
United States of America."
PORTLAND, Ore. ---(ALNS)— The National Convention Corporation of Oregon,
formed to conduct The American Legion's symposium here, Aug. 20-26, has named Rolv
Harlow Schillios of Lake Oswego to handle publicity and public relations. A prize
winning newspaperman, Schillios has served as president of the 650-member American
Legion Press Association.
WASHINGTON - —(ALNS)-— National President Mrs. Walter Wild Andrews of the
American Legion Auxiliary recently pinned the first of 20 million poppies on the coat
lapel of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The ceremony officially opened the Auxiliary's annual money-raising event. The
poppies distributed are hand made each year by disabled veterans, the majority of the
men being hospital patients. The week preceding Memorial Day, May 25-30, marks the
period of the annual memorial tribute to America's war dead, sponsored by the
Auxiliary. v.. .171 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-21-65
WASHINGTON — (ALNS)— Veterans with GI home loans or loans on their GI insurance policies may pay the loans off at any time, in full or in extra part pay- ments, without incurring a penalty charge, the Veterans Administration has said.
The minimum extra payment a veteran may make on his home loan is the equivalent of a month's payment, or $100, whichever is less. The insurance loan may be paid off in payments of $5 or more at any time.
The VA also pointed out that should a veteran need money for other expenses or emergencies, the extra payments already made ... if the lender agrees, in the case of a home loan . . . may be reapplied to regular payments in order to prevent the loan from going into default.
HONOLULU —(ALNS)— Legionnaire Charles G. Braden of All Travel Inc., in
Hawaii, co-ordinator for the Pacific Pilgrimage to Hawaii after the Legion's 19&5
National Convention in Portland, Ore., has reported that he has reserved space on conveniently scheduled flights from 22 major cities to Portland.
Legionnaires and their families who plan to continue to Honolulu after the convention will be able to take advantage of any applicable group fares and to receive an increased baggage allowance. Inquiries about specific flights should be sent to Charles Braden at P. 0. Box A.B., Honolulu, Hawaii, 9&815•
INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS) Suggested address No. 157 for American Legion speakers on Flag Day 1965 is available in limited supply through the various depart- ment adjutants or by writing to: National Public Relations, The American Legion,
P. 0. Box 1055, Indianapolis, Ind. 1+6206. The speech is written for general audiences. ....-3 72 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-21-65
INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS)— Renewal of a long standing agreement on disaster
relief with the American Red Cross has been unanimously approved by The American
Legion's National Executive Committee at its annual spring meeting here. The
agreement, in effect continually since 1926, cites for the benefit of both parties
the organization and responsibilities of each group on disaster relief.
Although not a part of the agreement, another area in which The American Legion
has a vital interest and works very closely with the Red Cross, is the Blood Donor
program.
Legion to Provide Physical Facilities
The agreement calls for the cooperation of the Legion in disaster relief
activities and use of to the fullest extent of their physical facilities such as
shelters, feeding centers, depots or administrative offices. It also calls for the
services of individuals and groups of Legionnaire volunteers to serve collectively
as teams to operate specific facilities.
The American Red Cross will assume financial responsibility for certain direct disaster relief expenditures made by The American Legion when prior arrangements have been approved by official segments of the Red Cross. Legion posts are encouraged to cooperate with the Red Cross in its fund raising activities. Furthermore, the agree- ment urges posts not to engage in separate (public) campaigns for disaster relief funds, but does not restrict The American Legion from the solicitation of funds with- in its own organization. Top Officials Meet National Commander Donald E. Johnson met recently in Washington, D. C. with Gen. James Collins, president of the Red Cross, to discuss the agreement and other matters of mutual interest. Commander Johnson expressed the Legion's appreciation and lauded the Red Cross for the outstanding manner in which it has conducted rescue operations and its humane efforts in connection with the Midwest flood disasters.
Copies of the revised understanding will be printed and distributed to all Red Cross chapters and American Legion posts for guidance in the development of disaster preparedness plans and for use in actual disaster operations. ...173 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-841 l National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)
LEGION NEWS BRIEFS FOR WEEK ENDING 5-28-65
Excellence of U. S. personnel, both military and State Department, throughout Far East and especially in South Vietnam, reported by National Commander Donald E. Johnson to the President.
Air strikes against North Vietnam are successful, both in lifting troop morale and cutting Viet Cong supply lines, National Commander Johnson has declared upon return from Far East.
American Legion calls HR 6277 (Foreign Service Act Amendments of 1965) "definite threat" to basic principle of veterans preference in federal employment.
Legionnaire letters to Congressmen and Senators urged in opposition to HR 6277,
ft ft ft ft
Senate Finance Committee votes $1.6 million to VA to reopen NSLI to disabled veterans.
ft ft ft ft
First quota post in American Legion's 1966 membership drive is Post 154, Johnston, S. C. Entire quota-busting enrollment of 154 members signed up by one Legionnaire.
ft ft
Senate Labor Committee recommends raising bed limit of VA hospitals to 130,000 in move aimed at recent shutdown order.
ft ft * ft
Senate Labor and Welfare Committee approves cold war GI Bill.
ft ft ft ft Pacific Pilgrimage inquiries for trip after 47th National Convention, Aug. 20-26, Portland, Ore., received from Legionnaires in 45 states.
ft ft ft ft Death has silenced golden voice of John Thomas Taylor, American Legion legis- lative director (1935-50). ft ft ft ft ..-.174 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84H National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-28-65
WASHINGTON (ALNS) The United States is represented by highly dedi- cated and competent personnel, both military and State Department, serving in the
Far East and in Vietnam, National Commander Donald E. Johnson of The American Legion has reported in a meeting with the President of the United States.
Immediately upon returning from the Far East, the Legion National Commander visited the White House to inform President Johnson of his reactions to United
States activities in Vietnam. National Commander Johnson emphasized that the duty in Vietnam was rugged, that the morale of our combat troops in all levels of rank was particularly high, and that the troops were capable of accomplishing the missions to which they have been assigned.
President Praises American Legion
President Johnson was extremely cordial in his comments about the fact that the Legion had seen fit to send its ranking executive into the Far East for the purpose of seeing at point-blank range the need for the United States to defend the outer perimeter of democratic freedoms for all Asiatic nations. The President also stated that he was most appreciative of the positions taken by the Legion in
National Convention, supporting the need for firm restraining military actions on the part of the United States.
"One thing I would like to make clear to you, Commander, is that this government has the utmost confidence in the two organizations that have always stood, without qualification, against the dangers of communism . . . The American Legion and the Federal Bureau of Investigation," President Johnson said.
(MORE) — National Commander Discussion on Vietnam Continued Page 2 ^75
Legion Commander Holds Press Conference Just prior to reporting to the President, National Commander Johnson was interviewed by the press in the office of White House Press Secretary George Reedy. Asked if the air strikes on North Vietnam are being successful, National Commander Johnson noted that it was the opinion of the Legion touring group that the raids have been successful. He pointed out two reasons for this; (1) they have increased the morale of the South Vietnamese and the American troops and (2) there is every evidence that they have been successful militarily by cutting down on the supplies. In reply to the question "Do you see any risks if bombings continue and more American troops go in, that the North Vietnamese and Communist China may be provoked to move in?", the National Commander said, "yes, but risks must be taken" and "we are moving into areas that require risks if we are to draw the line and contain communist aggression." One reporter asked about reports that several thousand more troops will be sent to Vietnam. National Commander Johnson said, "If the military would decide this was necessary, The American Legion would support it, because we support the action of this government in South Vietnam. However, we must remember, this is a South Vietnamese war. They know it and we know it, and so I think that additional troops could be used for defensive purposes and as additional military advisers.
Calls for Support of Foreign Policy When asked about domestic criticism of the President's action in Vietnam, Commander Johnson replied, "I don't think it has hurt our military operation, but what effect it might have on the political front is questionable at the time. Now, a right to dissent is an essential part of the American democracy and The American Legion backs this up, but at the same time there has to be a sense of responsibility on the part of those who oppose the President's or government's program in the matter of foreign policy. ... We must, in my opinion, support him as much as we possibly can." Pointing to the recent U.S.. intervention in the Dominican Republic re- bellion, National Commander Johnson declared, "I think one of the things that needs to be said in support of the President and of this government is the fact that we moved in and saved 6,000 lives, not all Americans, but in fact nationals from some 40 countries. And we did this at a minimum cost of life and a minimum cost to the American people." Climax of Far East Tour The National Commander's report to the President and statements to the press climaxed an extensive tour of the Far East, including stops in Tokyo, Seoul, and Saigon. 0 .176 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-28-65
WASHINGTON (ALNS) In noting that H.R. 6277, the Foreign Service Act
Amendments of 1965, is a threat to the basic principle of veterans preference in federal employment, the National Legislative Division has urged all American Legion- naires to write their Congressmen and Senators advising them of the Legion's opposition to the bill. Legionnaires should request that they vote against the pro- posed bill.
John S. Mears of the Legion's National Legislative Division stated in an appearance before a subcommittee of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs that the proposed legislation seeks to "establish a new foreign affairs personnel system."
He reported that this will include those presently under the foreign service personnel system and certain civil service employees who will be transferred into the new system.
"All of the veterans' preference eligibles concerned will lose their rights involuntarily because the three-year period during which they may be selected into the new system is in essence a 'take-it-or-leave-it' proposition," Mears said.
He noted that there is a philosophical repugnance to efforts of this nature which would deny even the slightest recognition to war veterans for past services rendered their country.
"There is also a practical repugnance involved in such efforts. The implication is that veterans as a class are less productive, less talented, etc... Many of the complaints raised against the Veterans' Preference Act should be directed to weaknesses in federal personnel management."
Mears said the Legion objects strenuously to such arguments advanced in generalized terms by opponents of veterans preference. 00177 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IWEDIATE RELEASE 5-28-65
WASHINGTON (ALNS) The Senate Finance Committee has authorized the
Veterans Administration to use $1.6 million to reopen National Service Life Insurance
(NSLI) to disabled veterans.
A bill opening the insurance to the disabled veterans was passed last year by the Senate but was not accompanied by an authorization for the use of funds to make it possible.
Under the authorization approved May 25, the money would be obtained from another veterans fund and would be repaid when the disabled veterans begin paying their premiums.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (ALNS) The South Carolina American Legion has reported that it already has its first quota post for 1966. Once again Legionnaire M. D.
Lyon of Legion Post 154, Johnston, S.C. has single handedly lined up 154 members for 1966 against a quota of 149 for the year.
A life member of Post 154, Lyon has made quota for the post for eight con- secutive years. His outstanding membership work makes him the Legion's first Century
Clubber for 1966.
WASHINGTON (ALNS) In a move aimed at the shutdown order for Veterans
Administration hospitals, the Senate Labor Committee has recommended that the over- all limit for beds in such facilities be raised to 130,000.
The Committee approved a resolution which would put Congress on record in favor of lifting the present 125,000 bed ceiling. The ceiling was cited in the recent controversy as a factor requiring the closing of older facilities as new hospitals are opened.
Under the approved resolution, the President "is respectfully urged by the Congress" to lift the ceiling as soon as practicable. 00178 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-28-65
WASHINGTON (ALNS) The Senate Labor and Public Welfare Committee, by a vote of 11-5, has given its approval to a cold war GI Bill which would give veterans of service since 1955 benefits similar to those afforded veterans of World
War II and the Korean War. Offered by Sen. Ralph Yarborough (D-Tex.), the bill has more than 4 0 co-sponsors.
Senator Yarborough has noted that about five million veterans would be eligible for educational benefits and home loan assistance under the terms of the bill.
The bill would grant benefits to veterans with at least 180 days of service in the period from Jan. 31, 1955 (end of the Korean War) through July 1, 1967 (the presently scheduled end of the draft). Dishonorable discharge would disqualify any veteran under the bill.
Veterans could obtain educational benefits up to 36 months with monthly allowances, starting at $110 for veterans with no dependents. Benefits would be credited on the basis of one and one-half times each day of active duty.
Government guarantees and direct government loans under certain conditions would be provided for purchase of homes and farms. The schedule of benefits would be similar to those extended to veterans of the Korean War.
HONOLULU, Hawaii (ALNS) American Legionnaires from 45 states and
Canada have expressed an interest in going to Hawaii for the Pacific Pilgrimage after the National Convention in Portland, Ore., Aug. 20-26.
Over 800 requests for descriptive literature have been received by the Legion's official travel agent for the Pilgrimage . . . All Travel, Inc., Hawaii, whose address is P.O. Box A3, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815. Letters should be sent to the attention of Legionnaire Charles G. Braden. ,...?7g NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters
AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 5-28-65
WASHINGTON (ALNS) Death on May 20 has silenced the golden voice of a
Washington lawyer who at one time had 17,500,000 "clients". Funeral services were
conducted May 24 for John Thomas Taylor, National legislative director of The American
Legion from 1935-1950.
Who was John Thomas Taylor? To answer the question in depth would take up
many chapters of a book, but let us go back a few years and see what history has to
say.
When the G.I. Bill of Rights was passed, it was widely hailed as one of the
most generous laws ever enacted for veterans. There was one man in the Armed Forces,
however, a peppery colonel of 60, who wasn't satisfied when he returned from the wars
and discovered what Congress had done.
He doffed his uniform for mufti, buckled on pearl-gray spats, seized his
Malacca cane and charged up Washington's Capitol Hill with fire in his eye. For days he would confront the lawmakers, in lobby and cloakroom and restaurant, and he gave no quarter. As a result of his labors, the G.I. Bill was amended in 10 places. Freshmen in Congress, many years ago, marveled when a barrage of 350,000 telegrams decended on Capitol Hill overnight after an unfavorable vote on veterans' legislation. Older men, who had seen it happen many times before, immediately
recognized the bombardment as the work of Taylor, the Legion's irrepressible legis-
lative representative. Bonus Battle of the 1930's
During the bitter bonus battle of the 1930*s, he once presented the Speaker of the House with a petition containing 1,500,000 names and three feet thick. In a fight for pensions for disabled emergency Army officers, he brought 50 crippled officers from Walter Reed Hospital, with their crutches and wheelchairs, and parked them conspicuously in the front row of the House gallery while debate was in progress.
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John Thomas Taylor — ■(continued page 2)
As a young Washington lawyer, Taylor enlisted in the infantry on Apr. 6,1917, the day war was declared. He was overseas 17 months, participating in four offensives and coming out as a captain. Taylor was with his outfit in Germany when he heard of the Paris Caucus which was to set up The American Legion. Getting leave, he rushed to the French capital, took part, and was thus in on the birth of the Legion.
Ten days after his return home, he witnessed the signing of the Legion's articles of incorporation by Woodrow Wilson, and plunged immediately into the business of enacting national legislation for veterans. Knew Every Member of Congress
He knew every member of Congress and called many of them by their first names. He helped guide more than 650 veterans* bills through Congress and spearheaded The American Legion's fight in obtaining benefits of more than $13 billion for ex-servicemen.
Following passage of the Adjustment Compensation Bill, the National Executive Committee of The American Legion paid high tribute to him saying:
Certainly this is a great hour for rejoicing in the history of The American Legion. Men who accomplish, men who go forward and bring over to victory what apparently was years ago a defeat, have written their names indelibly into the history of The American Legion and likewise into the history of the American people, "We are told that every institution is the shadow of a man or a woman. We are standing in the shadow of that great personality of the Legion and we pay tribute to him as our comrade. His name is John Thomas Taylor."
Large Collection of Memorabilia In his home, scattered here and there among pistols, knives, and hand grenades which he carried against the Germans during two wars, Taylor had the walls of his den decorated with photographs which portrayed him in chummy poses with six Presidents . . . Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, Hoover, Roosevelt, and Truman . . . and another picture which showed him being decorated by Marshall Petain, when the latter gave him the Cross of the Legion of Honor in 1937.
But of all the memorabilia, Taylor oft said that he prized his American Legion button more highly than any of his military decorations.
General Taylor was buried in Arlington National Cemetery.