NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 211 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 ' National Headquarters i AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-3-63

LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL

American Legion will be represented by 21 of its roster of most famous graduates in the major leagues' All-Star Game on July 9 in Cleveland, according to George W. Rulon, assistant director of Americanism for American Legion Baseball.

The appointment of a transportation and travel committee which has arranged special tours for Legionnaires attending the 45th National Convention of The American Legion, Sept. 6-12 in Beach, Fla., has been announced by Judge Lawrence E. Hoffman, president of the 1963 National Convention Corporation.

A one-day blitz organized by Department Commander Ralph R. Storm has made Indiana American Legion Department of more than 100,000 members to top its 1963 membership goal of 105,715.

Maurice T. Webb, formerly of Newnan, Ga., has been named National Americanism Director for The American Legion to succeed C. A. (Bud) Teach who has retired, National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore has announced.

Twenty of the nation's top junior drum and bugle corps and 11 junior color guards - all affiliated with the New Jersey American Legion - will vie July 14 at Bloomfield, N. J., for positions in the hotly contested state finals Sept. 21 dur« ing the department convention in Wildwood.

45th NATIONAL CONVENTION DATA - SEPT. 6-12, 1963 Organization Headquarters Hotel Sessions Site The American Legion Fontainebleau Miami Beach Convention Hall American Legion Auxiliary Doral Beach Doral Beach Eight & Forty Doral Beach Doral Beach National Headquarters Office opens 8:00 a.m., Sept. 3, Miami Beach Auditorium. Auxiliary Headquarters opens 8:00 a.m., Sept. 3, Doral Beach Hotel. Senior Drum and Bugle Corps Finals - 7:00 p.m., Sept. 8. Parade - 6:00 p.m., Sept. 9. National Commander's Dinner - 7:30 p.m., Sept. 10, Fontainebleau Hotel. Auxiliary States Dinner - 8:00 p.m., Sept. 11, Eden Roc Hotel. 212 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 7-3-63

INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)-— American Legion Baseball will be represented by 21

of its roster of most famous graduates in the major leagues' All-Star Game on

July 9 in Cleveland, according to George W. Rulon, assistant director of Americanism

for American Legion Baseball.

Seven of the 16 starters, named by the players themselves, are alumni of the

Legion's baseball program.

The four receiving top votes at their respective positions in the American

League are Nellie Fox (Chicago); Al Kaline (Detroit); Albie Pearson (Los Angeles);

and Earl Battey (Minnesota).

Legion Baseball grads scheduled to start for the are Ed Bailey

(San Francisco) and Bill White and Dick Groat (St. Louis).

Other all-stars who came to fame via Legion Baseball are Steve

Barber and Brooks Robinson (Baltimore); Carl Yastrzemski (Boston); Jim Bunning

(Detroit); Norm Siebern (Kansas City); Bob Allison and Harman Killebrew (Minnesota);

and Bobby Richardson and Tom Tresh (New York).

Representing American Legion Baseball on the National League squad will be

Ron Santo (Chicago); Hal Woodeschick (Houston); (Los Angeles); Warren

Spahn (Milwaukee); and Stan Musial (St. Louis).

The two rival managers, Ralph Houk of the New York Yankees and Al Dark of the

San Francisco Giants, are former American Legion Baseball Players, and their respec-

tive coaching staffs - Sam Mele of Minnesota and Johnny Pesky of Boston for the

American League and Bob Kennedy of Chicago and Gene Mauch of Philadelphia for the

senior circuit - are 100 per cent American Legion Baseball Alumni. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 213 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 \ National Headquarters

1 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-3-63

MIAMI BEACH (ALNS) The appointment of a transportation and travel

committee which has arranged special tours for Legionnaires attending the 45th

National Convention of The American Legion, Sept. 6-12 here, has been announced by

Judge Lawrence E. Hoffman, president of the 1963 National Convention Corporation.

In addition to local sightseeing trips by bus and boat, special pre- and

post-convention tours have been arranged to Nassau, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the

Virgin Islands.

Co-chairman of the committee are Warren E. Binder and Arthur S. Weider.

Bus tours will visit the Seaquarium, the Parrot Jungle, Villa Vizcaya, and

Greater Miami. Boat tours will include Miami Beach and "millionaire's row," plus

Parrot Paradise, Villa Vizcaya, and the Seaquarium. An all-day trip to Bimini in

the Bahamas will be offered daily.

The special pre- and post-convention tours will offer 3 days and 2 nights

for the Nassau trip at $69.95 which includes round trip air fare, personal meeting

service, transportation to and from the hotel in Nassau, first class hotel

accommodations, and a complete city and country sightseeing tour. Legionnaire

Conventioneers can take a similar tour to Jamaica (4 days and 3 nights) for $63.00

plus air fare which ranges from $49.00 to $69.00, depending on the traveling date.

Special group rates are available on all trips. Advance reservations are

required.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting: Transportation 6

Trave1 Ccramittee, 1963 American legion Convention Corporation, Venetian Isle

Motel, 20 Venetian Way, Miami Beach, Fla. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 214 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 [National Headquarters

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-3-63

INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)— A one-day blitz organized by Department Commander

Ralph R. Storm has made Indiana the first American Legion Department of more than

100,000 members to top its 1963 membership goal of 105,715.

To get the final members needed to top the goal at department headquarters

before July 1, Commander Storm set up gilt-edged membership teams to contact de-

linquents by phone and personal calls on June 27. Working on the teams were

National Treasurer Francis Polen of Indianapolis; William A. Brennan, past depart-

ment commander and a former national membership chairman; William F. O'Neill,

Indiana state service director and former service officer of the Hoosler department;

Indiana Membership Chairman Ralph (Curly) Cushman of Veedersburg; 11th District

Commander Robert V. Welch and officers of some of the leading posts in the district.

When the smoke cleared, Indiana found that enough cards had been brought in in

the one-night operation to beat the goal by 25 members.

When W. I. Brunton. of Scottsburg, Ind., vice chairman of the National Member-

ship Committee, found that he would not be able to come to Indianapolis for the

final roundup, he picked up seven memberships in his own area and sent them to

Department Headquarters. Commander Storm also enrolled four members during the

day, including the recently appointed editor of The Indianapolis Times. Thomas L.

Boardman.

Working the delinquent list of Broad Ripple Post 312 from a wheelchair was

disabled veteran Maurice Ireland,.a leader of the northslde Indianapolis post.

According to Department Adjutant Frank J. Myers, the night's work puts Indiana some

600 over its final 1962 membership of 105,168, which was an increase of 1,500

over 1961. 215 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 7-3-63

INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)--- Maurice T. Webb, formerly of Newnan, Ga., has been named National Americanism Director for The American Legion, National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore has announced.

Webb, who has served as assistant to the director of Americanism since January 1963, succeeds C. A. (Bud) Tesch who is retiring after eight years at the helm of the Legion's diversified Americanism program which includes 'such widely known activities as American Legion Baseball, Boys State, National High School Oratorical Contest, School Medal Awards, and many others.

Tesch, a past department adjutant of the West Virginia American Legion, joined the staff of the national organization in 1952 as assist- ant director of the Americanism Division. Through his untiring efforts, such outstanding Americanism programs as the National High School Oratorical Contest, the School Medal Award Program, American Legion Baseball, Boys State and Boys Nation, and other youth citizen training programs have enjoyed phenomenal growth.

A World War II veteran, and long active in Legion affairs, Webb is a member of Alvin Hugh Harris Post No. 57 of The American Legion in Newnan, Ga. He has held every office in his home post, including that of post commander. He also has held district and department offices in child welfare, rehabilitation and Americanism activities, and has served as de- partment vice commander and department adjutant in Georgia.

At the national level, Webb has served on the Membership and Post Activities Committee; the Child Welfare Commission and as National Child Welfare Chairman, 1957-58; southern area child welfare chairman, the National Pilgrimage Committee; and as Alternate National Executive Committeeman. Previously he was associated with the Georgia Department of Veterans Service, and also served as assistant domiciliary officer at the Thomasville, Ga., Veterans Administration Domiciliary.

Born in LaGrange, Ga., Sept. 3, 1926, he attended public schools and high school in Newnan, and is a graduate of the Woodrow Wilson College of Law, Atlanta, Ga.

He and his wife Sara and son Marty, live at 6036 Williamsburg Court, Indianapolis. 216 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS 6, INDIANA P.O. BOX 105 5 • ME 5-8411 National Headquarters FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-3-63 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS)

TRENTON, N. J. (ALNS) Twenty of the nation's top junior drum and

bugle corps and 11 junior color guards - all affiliated with the New Jersey

American Legion - will vie July 14 at Bloomfield, N. J., for positions in the

hotly contested state finals Sept. 21 during the department convention in Wildwood.

This preliminary elimination contest will begin at 12 noon at the Bloomfield

High School Stadium, Heading the entry list are the current national champions, the Garfield Cadets of Post 255; the state champions, the Golden Knights of Post

302; and the state SAL champions, the Little Devils of Post 26.

JAL, N. M. (ALNS) C. A. "Butch" Boyd, 64, past department commander of the New Mexico American legion (1960-61), died June 25 here. His services to the national organization included those of vice chairman of the Veterans

Preference and Security Training Committees and membership on the Investments

Policy Committee.

His widow, Mrs. Ruth Boyd, survives at the home in Jal, N. M. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 217 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-12-63

LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL

Secretary of State Dean Rusk has accepted an invitation to be the guest of honor and to address the National Commander's Dinner to Distinguished Guests during The American Legion's l+5th National Convention, Sept. 6-12, in Miami Beach, Fla., Na- tional Commander James E. Powers has announced.

American Legionnaires and members of the American Legion Auxiliary are urged to contact their Congressmen immediately, urging support of HR 6688 which has with- in its provisions the accomplishment of a long-sought American Legion objective — the continuance of payments, under Title II of the Social Security Act, to children after they reach 18 who are unmarried and enrolled in an approved school.

Given predictions of the biggest, most dazzling parade in American Legion National Convention history by convention corporation officials in Miami Beach, Fla., Legionnaires at this year's reunion will be able to save most of their footwork for the big parade by taking advantage of a special shuttle bus service which will oper- ate between hotels and motels and the Convention Hall.

The drum and bugle corps contests at the 45th National Convention of The American Legion, Sept. 6-12, in Miami Beach, Fla., will be staged Sept. 7 and 8 in beautiful . Competitions were formerly slated for the Orange Bowl. With seating capacity for these events limited to 15,000, tickets are being sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

Two American Legion bills - HR 7396 to exclude USGLI or NSLI in determining the gross estate of a deceased veteran, and HR 7^l4 to erect a permanent memorial honoring Congressional Medal of Honor recipients - have been introduced in the Congress.

Two Boy Scouts of an American Legion Post sponsored Troop in Germany have been awarded the Certificate of Merit by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America for their role in saving a small child from injury and possible death.

Articles of timely interest, factual accounts of combat during World Wars I and II, and some thought-provoking words from a famous patriot of yesteryear add up to highly interesting reading for American Legionnaires in the August issue of The American Legion Magazine. 218 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 ■I National Headquarters

1 AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-12-63

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (ALNS) Secretary of State Dean Rusk has accepted an

invitation to be the guest of honor and to address the National Commander's dinner to

distinguished guests during The American Legion's 1963 National Convention in Miami

Beach, Sept. 6-12, National Commander James E. Powers has announced.

This top level social affair of the annual American Legion conclave will be

attended by distinguished guests of national stature and top ranking officials of the

Legion. An audience of more than 1,000 is expected to attend the dinner, Tuesday,

Sept. 10 in the Grand Ballroom of the Fontainebleau Hotel.

Speaker Dean Rusk was sworn in Jan. 21, 1961, as the 54th Secretary of State in

the presence of President John F. Kennedy, high government officials and honored

guests.

Born in Cherokee County, Ga., he received his bachelor of arts degree in 1931

from Davidson College in North Carolina. Following a brief period of study at the

University of Berlin, he served as associate professor of government and dean of

faculty at Mills College, Oakland, Calif.

Secretary Rusk entered the Army as an infantry reserve captain in December 1940 and took part in two campaigns in Burma, rising to deputy chief of staff. He was awarded the Legion of Merit and Oak Leaf Cluster.

Following his discharge he joined the Department of State in 1946 as assistant chief of the international security affairs. In 1949 he became the first assistant secretary for United Nations Affairs. After serving briefly as deputy under secre- tary, Mr. Rusk became assistant secretary for Far Eastern Affairs in March 1950. He continued in that position until March 1952, when he left the Department to be- come the president of the Rockefeller Foundation in New York City.

National Commander Powers has extended a cordial invitation to delegates, all Auxiliary members, Legionnaire guests and their wives, and to all those attending the convention to attend the dinner. Tickets (priced at $12.50 each with all tables seating 10 persons) will be sold on a first come, first served basis.

National Convention Director William Miller Is now prepared to accept reser- vations, which must be accompanied by a check in the proper amount and made payable to "National Commander's Dinner." NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 219 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411

National Headquarters A v££*»y /Hi AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-12-63

WASHINGTON (ALNS)— American Legionnaires and members of the American

Legion Auxiliary are urged to contact their Congressmen immediately, urging support

of HR 6688 which has within its provisions the accomplishment of a long-sought

\ American Legion objective — continuance of payments, under Title II of the Social i Security Act, to children after they are 18 who are unmarried and enrolled in an j approved school.

Introduced by Rep. Wilbur D. Mills (D-Ark.), chairman of the influential House

I Ways and Means Committee, HR 6688 would extend the age limitation from the present 18

I to 22, which, The American Legion believes, would be of tremendous benefit to the

I young people of this nation who are seeking a higher education, and a deterrent as t well to the problem of school drop-outs.

Through adoption of Resolution 544 at the 44th National Convention last fall, ij The American Legion reiterated its stand to "actively support legislation which i would amend Title II of the Social Security Act in a manner which would authorize f the continuance of payments to children after they reach age 18 while unmarried and

J enrolled in an approved school "

There are nearly 2.4 million youngsters under age 18 who are now receiving

* social security benefits because their wage earner parent is either deceased (nearly i:i.7 million), totally or permanently disabled (372,000), or over 62 years of age and ino longer working (333,000).

It has been pointed out that, due to local school regulations which require t children to be six years old before entering first grade, and in some cases because

1 of illness, there are students who will pass their 18th birthday, present termination

date for social security payments, before they complete their high school education.

JiThis is a contributing factor in the problem of increasing number of school drop-outs. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 220 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-12-63

MIAMI BEACH —(ALNS)— It'll be the biggest, most dazzling spectacle in American Legion National Convention parade history! That's the prediction of

Lawrence E. Hoffman, president and general chairman of the 1963 National Convention

Corporation, concerning one of the big highlights of the U5th National Convention,

Sept. 6-12, here.

However, American Legion Posts, Districts, and Departments are urged to move

quickly to make arrangements for their respective entries in what promises to be a parade featuring a virtual armada of floats.

For as little as $600, or as much as $1,500 (plus 3 per cent Florida state

sales tax), floats can be built to specifications in Miami by the official float

designer, Vaughn Parades, Inc., which builds many of the beautiful entries seen each year in the Orange Bowl parade.

"American Legion organizations can join with their city or state governmental agencies or chambers of commerce and share the cost of constructing a float which will bring pride and recognition to their local areas," W. W. Westberry, floats com- mittee chairman, advises. "Private firms may participate, but each must be sponsored by an American Legion organization, and there are restrictions on the size and type of commercial messages permitted."

All inquiries should be directed to: Floats Committee Chairman, 1963 American Legion Convention Corporation, Venetian Isle Motel, 20 Venetian Way, Miami Beach, Fla. Service will be on a "first come, first served" basis.

Meanwhile, Legionnaires attending the 1963 reunion can save most of their foot-work for the big parade on Monday, Sept. 9, by taking advantage of the special shuttle bus service which will operate beteeen Miami Beach hotels and motels and the Convention Hall. A $2.00 ticket will be good for unlimited travel on these buses which will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sept. 9-12. A 15 per cent dis- count is available on the purchase of blocks of 25 or more tickets. Advance tickets may be ordered through the Transportation and Tour Committee, 1963 American Legion Convention Corporation, Venetian Isle Motel, 20 Venetian Way, Miami Beach, Fla. 221 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 7-12-63

MIAMI BEACH (ALNS) The drum and bugle corps contests at the ^5th National

Convention of The American Legion, Sept. 6-12 here, will be staged Sept. 7 and 8

in beautiful Miami Stadium, Judge Lawrence E. Hoffman, president of the 1963 Conven-

tion Corporation, has announced. The competitions were formerly slated for the

Orange Bowl.

Meanwhile, ticket prices have been established for both the contests and the

parade which will be Monday evening, Sept. $.

For the senior drum and bugle corps contest - "Parade of Champions" - at 7:00

p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at Miami Stadium, tickets are priced at $3«0O each for box

seats and $2.50 each in the reserved seat section. An entertainment coupon in all

registration packets will allow a 50-cent discount on either type of admission.

General admission to the senior finals will be $1.50 with no discount coupon appli-

cable .

All seats will be priced at $1.50 each for the junior drum and bugle corps

final contest at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at Miami Stadium. There will be no

discount coupon applicable for this event.

Total seating capacity of Miami Stadium is limited to 15,000. Tickets will be

sold on a first-come-first-served basis.

Box seats for the big parade are priced at $3.00 each. In order that posts

and departments may be seated together, orders should be placed as soon as possible

for these seats which will be set up 12 to a box. The number of box seats to be

available will be based upon advance sales, and no additional seats will be erected.

Further information requests and ticket purchases should be directed to: Ticket

Committee, 1963 American Legion Convention Corporation, Venetian Isle Motel, 20

Venetian Way, Miami Beach 39, Fla. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 222 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-12-63

WASHINGTON —(ALNS) Two American Legion bills - HR 7396, calling for ex-

clusion of either U.S. Government Life Insurance or National Service Life Insurance

in determining the gross estate of a deceased veteran, and HR 7^1^, to honor Congres-

sional Medal of Honor recipients with a suitable inclusive memorial — have been

introduced in the Congress.

HR 7396, introduced by Rep. Walter S. Baring (D-Nev.), has been referred to the

House Committee on Veterans Affairs of which Congressman Baring is a member.

HR 7^1^, introduced by Rep. Spark M. Matsunaga (D-Hawaii), is in conformance with Resolution 19, approved by the National Executive Committee at its May meeting, which urges the enactment of law by the Congress to create a permanent memorial to all

recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

All Legionnaires are urged to contact their Congressmen in support of these tvo

legislative matters.

WASHINGTON (ALNS) —The American Legion Departments of Maine, Michigan,

Missouri, and the District of Columbia have been named for top Legion awards for

their participation in the blood donor program.

Maine and the District of Columbia share top honors for the National Commander

Award which is presented to that Department having the greatest percentage of its posts participating actively in the blood donor program. Both Departments have 100 per cent participation by their posts.

Each having 36 per cent of their membership participating, Michigan and Missouri

share the National Commander Award to that Department having the highest percentage of its membership recorded in active participation in this worthy activity.

Official forms filed by their respective headquarters showed that 39 American

Legion Departments took part in the national blood donor program during the 1962-63 year. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 223 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 < National Headquarters

, AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-12-63

BITBDRG. Germany — (ALNS) —Two Boy Scouts of Troop 163, sponsored by Post 20

of The American Legion at Bitburg Air Base, have been awarded the Certificate of

Merit by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America for their role in

saving a small child from injury and possible death.

James R. Thomas, 11, and Bruce Tomes, 12, received the recognition for their

quick action and coolheaded handling of an emergency situation in which a two-year-

old was hanging feet first from an open window of a second-floor apartment, about

20 feet above the ground. Just below the child was a concrete-lined, basement stair-

way entrance, bordered by a 30-inch guard railing.

Scout Tomes, recognizing the danger to the child, went to the apartment to try

to get the child from the window after directing his companion to take a position be-

low the window to try to catch the child should he fall.

Seconds later, the screaming child fell and was grabbed at the mouth of the con-

crete staircase by Scout Thomas.

Two Air Policemen from the air base came rushing to help and took both the

rescued child and his rescuer to the hospital where X-rays showed neither to be

injured.

INDIANAPOLIS (ALNS) Changes in dates for two area conferences have been

announced by the National Child Welfare Commission of The American Legion. The two

conferences and their revised dates are:

Middle Atlantic Area — Nov. 7-9, 1963 — Wilmington Del.

New England Area — Nov. 21-23, 19^3 — Portland, Me. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 224 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-12-63

NEW YORK (ALNS) Articles of timely interest, factual accounts of combat

during World Wars I and II, and some thought-provoking words from a famous patriot of

yesteryear add up to highly interesting reading for American Legionnaires in the

August issue of The American Legion Magazine.

In his article, "The Human Side of Automation," Pete Martin interviews Secretary

of Labor Willard Wirtz on the problems that automation is creating for workers in the

labor market.

Also concerning the effects of our rapidly advancing technology upon each indi-

vidual is Tom Mahoney's "The Big Switch in Phone Numbers," the story behind the change

to all-number telephone dialing — a change which has met with opposition in some

quarters and has been the target of several humorists and comedians.

Some 20,000 newly elected American Legion leaders - post and district commanders

- will find valuable suggestions for getting their year off to a good start in "Blue-

print for 20,000 New Leaders" by National Commander James E. Powers.

Peter D. Bolter, in "How Japan Lost the War at Midway," recounts the engagement

of June 4, 1942, which was to prove decisive in Japan's ultimate defeat in World War

II as the remnants of the American fleet met and crushed the spearhead of the

Japanese Combined Fleet off Midway Island. The story of the fantastic experiences

of a fighting doughboy during World War I is told in "The Incredible Battle Record of

Dan Edwards" by Edmund S. McCawley, Jr.

An editorial, "The Strange Obstruction of Veterans Life Insurance," points up

the unfairness of the speedy enactment of the 1951 act of Congress which terminated

issuance of new GI life insurance, and the failure of remedial legislation since.

Though his words are more than a century old, Daniel Webster's "An American"

proves just as timely today for those who read what this great patriot thought being

an American was worth in terms of personal effort and sacrifice. 225 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 7-19-63

LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL

The official call for the 45th National Convention, the legislative body of The American Legion, for Sept. 6-12, 1963, at Miami Beach, Fla., has been issued by National Commander James E. Powers and National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore.

One hundred top honor high school students, representing their respective Boys States, will participate in The American Legion's 18th annual Boys Nation, a workshop featuring a practical approach to the study of federal governmental operations, July 19-26, in Washington, D. C.

The Eight and Forty, an organization of American Legion Auxiliary members, has approved fourteen $1,000 Tuberculosis Nursing Scholarship awards, Mrs. William J. Schlau of Kenmore, N. Y., le chapeau national, has announced.

Robert A. Summar, editor of the Egyptian Legionnaire of the Fifth Division of the Illinois American Legion, has been named the winner of the Wm. E. Rominger Award for the best original editorial appearing in an American Legion publication.

With a full line-up of activities, giving it several features of a junior-sized Legion reunion, the 21st annual detachment convention of the Missouri Sons of The American Legion has been set for July 26-28 at St. Louis, Mo.

Official automobiles for the 45th National Convention of The American Legion, Sept. 6-12, Miami Beach, Fla., will be provided by the Ford Motor Company, National Convention Chairman James V. Demarest has announced.

Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson has presented The American Legion's 1963 i American Merchant Marine Achievement Award to Charles Rurz, president of the Keystone Shipping Company of Philadelphia.

The American Legion chartered five new posts and six Sons of The American Legion Squadrons during the month of June, National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore has announced. 22S 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 7-19-63

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. —(ALNS)— The call for the 45th National Convention of

The American Legion Sept. 6-12, 1963, at Miami Beach, Fla., has been issued by

National Commander James E. Powers and National Adjutant E. A. Blackmore.

The opening convention session on Sept. 10 will be In the Miami Beach Conven- tion Hall. Business sessions on Sept. 11-12 have also been scheduled there. The

Legion's big convention parade will be on Monday, Sept. 9.

As the legislative body of The American Legion, the annual National convention is called for the purpose of setting the programs of The American Legion for the en- suing year, through reports of the convention committees; amending the National

Constitution and Bylaws; and for the transaction of such other business as may be brought before it.

On Thursday, Sept. 12, new officers for the 1963-64 year will be elected --

National Commander, five National Vice Commanders, and National Chaplain, in this sequence.

Representation in the convention shall be by department and in accordance with the provisions of Article V of the Legion's National Constitution. Each Department shall be entitled to five delegates and to one additional delegate for each one thousand members or major fraction thereof, fully paid up by that department accord- ing to the national treasurer's books at the close of business on Aug. 12, 1963.

Each department will be entitled to elect a number of alternates equal to the number of earned delegates to which the department is entitled.

The convention headquarters will be opened by National Adjutant Blackmore in the Miami Beach Auditorium at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3. 227 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 7-19-63

WASHINGTON -— (ALNS) — One hundred top honor high school students will par- ticipate in a study of governmental operation July 19-26, when The American Legion's

18th annual Boys Nation convenes here. Headquarters for the youthful legislators will be the University of Maryland, College Park, Md.

Boys Nation, composed of two youths each from 50 American Legion Departments sponsoring their respective Boys States, features a practical approach to the study of the federal government. Prior to being chosen for this important civic duty, the boys must pass a rigorous screening based upon their abilities for leadership, as boys, as students, and as junior citizens.

While in the Nation's Capital, the Boys Nation senators will actually conduct a mock government with two political parties. Executive appointees will serve in pretended posts parallel to the actual posts held in the executive branches of the

United States government.

The young "senators" will make visitations to the White House, Arlington

National Cemetery, the United States Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, the

State Department, the Civil Service Commission, the Pentagon, the FBI and national historic shrines.

Twenty-five experienced American Legion youth conselors, headed by the assistant director of the Legion's National Americanism Division, James W. Rowe, will conduct the symposium, which has a syllabus containing a thorough education exposure of the operation of the United States government. 228 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 7-19-63

YUMA, Ariz. —(ALNS)— The Eight and Forty, an organization of American

Legion Auxiliary members, has approved fourteen $1,000 Tuberculosis Nursing Scholar-

ship awards, for one year's study, to assist nurses in furthering their education.

Recipients of the scholarships upon completion of their studies in nursing will be

employed in either supervision, administration, or teaching wito a direct relation-

ship to tuberculosis control.

In announcing the awards, Mrs. Cora Martinson, national tuberculosis nursing

chairman, explained that this is the seventh year the Eight and Forty has awarded

scholarships to help eliminate personnel shortages in this important area of nursing.

Recipients approved for scholarships for the I963-6I+ school year are:

J Name Home State School to Attend Mrs. Katherine M. Anderson Washington University of Washington Miss Mary E. Blake Oregon University of Oregon Mrs. Dorothy Mae Brown Washington University of Washington Miss Ella A. Cinkota New York Teacher's College, Columbia /University Mrs. Clara B. Corbiser Idaho University of Oregon Miss Ella Bernice Davis Massachusetts Boston University Mrs. Ann Gasper Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh Miss Frances Louise Jones Iowa State University of Iowa Miss Frances Lazenby New York Hunter College Mrs. Thelma T. Lewis Washington, D.C Catholic University of America Mrs. Wilda Mae Merkobrad Arkansas University of Houston Mrs. Margaret Aline Smith Illinois Southern Illinois University Mrs. Rita J. Thomas Ohio Western Reserve University Mrs. Dorothy S. Winters Virginia East Tennessee State University

Mrs. William J. Schlau, Le Chapeau National, has advised that the Eight and

Forty Tuberculosis Scholarships will again be offered for the school year 196h-65-

Announcements regarding eligibility are available from Eight and Forty scholarships

chairmen or from The American Legion's Education and Scholarship Program, Box 1055>

Indianapolis, Indiana U6206. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 229 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-19-63

INDIANAPOLIS — (ALNS) — Robert A. Summer, editor of the Egyptian Legionnaire.

Carmi, 111., has been named the winner of the Wm. E. Rominger Memorial Award which is

presented annually for the best original editorial appearing in an American Legion

publication.

Summar, whose editorial, "Time for Action," appeared in the official publication

of the Fifth Division of the Illinois American Legion, will receive his honors at the

annual banquet of The American Legion Press Association (ALPA), on Sunday, Sept. 8,

at the Eden Roc Hotel In Miami Beach, Fla., during the Legion's 45th National Con-

vention.

Second place in the Rominger competition for 1963 goes to E. H. Reicbart who

penned the editorial, "Memorial Day," in The Sentinel of American Legion Post 8, New

Rochelle, N. Y.

"The Monroe Doctrine," by Editor Emanuel Rosenstein of The Barrage of the 307th.

publication of the 307th Infantry Post, New York, N. Y., was awarded third place.

The editorials entered in the competition were judged by a panel of professional newspapermen, headed by Herbert Lundy, editorial page editor of the Pulitzer-prize- vlnning Portland Oregonian. ALPA President R. Harlow Schillios announced.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. --- (ALNS) --- The 21st annual detachment convention of the

Missouri Sons of The American Legion has been scheduled for July 26-28 at the Chase-

Park Plaza Hotel here, Detachment Commander A. B. Pfaff has announced. The detach- ment conclave will be conducted concurrently with the department convention of the

Missouri American Legion, and the SAL delegation will have a section in the de- partment's parade on Saturday, July 27. A full line-up of convention activities — uniformed groups contests, business sessions, and entertainment -- give the three-day session several features of a junior-sized Legion reunion. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 230 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84U National Headquarters

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-19-63

WASHINGTON —(ALNS)— American Legion posts will be interested in a report that a smaller-sized American flag is now being prepared by the Veterans Administra- tion for use at veteran's burials. The change has been ordered by VA Administrator

John S. Gleason, Jr., since the flag now being issued to drape a casket is too large for any functional use by the family of the deceased veteran.

Administrator Gleason has expressed the opinion that the new flags (4fc x 7 ft.) would mean much more to the family of the deceased were they able to display it. The present flags are 5x9 ft.

m m m

TRENTON, N.J. —(ALNS)— Past National Commander Alvin M. Owsley of The

American Legion (1922-23) was the principal speaker at the 35th annual memorial ser- vice on July 13 here for the famed Mexican flier, the late Capt. Emilio Carranza.

Captain Carranza was killed in July 1928, when his plane crashed in the South Jersey pines on a non-stop return flight to Mexico City.

The memorial service is conducted annually here by Mt. Holly Post 11 of The

American Legion. Simultaneously, similar rites are performed by the Department of

Mexico at the flier's tomb in Mexico City.

WASHINGTON (ALNS)— Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson has presented The

American Legion's 1963 American Merchant Marine Achievement Award to Charles Kurz, president of the Keystone Shipping Company of Philadelphia.

The award, sponsored by the Robert L. Hague-Merchant Marine Industry Post 1242,

New York, N.Y., is presented annually to give proper recognition to organizations or persons who have made the most significant contribution during the past year to the

American Merchant Marine. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 231 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-84U National Headquarters AMERICAN lEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-19-63

INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)-— The American Legion chartered five new posts and six Sons of The American Legion squadrons during June 1963, National Adjutant E. A.

Blackmore has announced.

American Legion Posts chartered include:

Department Post Name and Number Post Commander Location ALABAMA Graysville Post No. 180 James H. Chafin Graysville ALABAMA Trussville Post No. 181 Guy V. Martin Trussville GEORGIA Spurgel Clements Post No. 580 Mordecai Dunson Lagrange PENNSYLVANIA Wattsburg Post No. 982 Raleigh Conant Wattsburg PUERTO RICO Toa Alta Post No. 20 Juan Nieves Melendez Toa Alta

Sons of The American Legion squadrons chartered include:

Department Squadron Name and Number Location CALIFORNIA Clyde F. Hager Squadron No. 465 Bell Gardens CALIFORNIA Frank J. Gard Squadron No. 153 Glendora CALIFORNIA Prunedale Squadron No. 593 Salinas OHIO Benjamin Firestone Squadron No. 290 Columbiana OHIO Holland Squadron No. 646 Holland MARYLAND Liberty Squadron No. 122 Randallstown

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. —(ALNS)— Harry W. Baron, a life member of Post 37 here, has signed up more than 1,000 American Legionnaires for 1963 for his post. Born in Russia in 190$, Baron came to the United States when he was 13 years old. He joined the United States Army in 1928 and spent over 30 years in service, retiring as a master sergeant.

Baron has been a 100-or-more membership getter since he joined Post 37 back in 1950. He spends four to six hours a day, seven days a week on Legion work in the areas of membership and child welfare.

JACKSON HEIGHTS, N.Y. —(ALNS)— H. Armand de Masi, national historian of The American Legion, was voted a life membership in Rome Post No. 1 during the Department of Italy's 34th annual convention. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 232 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-19-63

INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)— Three more American Legion departments recently sur- passed their 1962 official membership totals while five departments have surged over their 1963 enrollment goals.

Topping their 1962 official enrollment were:

HAWAII 3,938 3,926 Henry S. P. Wong Seventh INDIANA 105,740 105,168 Ralph R. Storm Eighth ALABAMA 33,792 33,311 Raymond Weeks Ninth

Departments that exceeded their 1963 goal include:

Department 1963 membership 1963 goal Department Commander Position

TENNESSEE 52,704 52,477 Joe Duncan 17th INDIANA 105,740 105,715 Ralph R. Storm 18th ARKANSAS 26,160 26,131 Walter Schrader 19th FLORIDA 47,740 47,738 Arthur M. MacCarthy 20th PUERTO RICO 9,853 9,853 Vincente Reyes Fitzpatrick 21st

National Commander James E. Powers has sent messages of congratulations to the various department commanders on their noteworthy achievement to the success of the Legion's 1963 membership year.

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio —(ALNS)— Martin Vincent Coffey, 67, a national vice commander of The American Legion in 1943-44, died July 10. A past department com- mander of the Ohio American Legion in 1942-43, Mr. Coffey represented Ohio on the

Legion's National Executive Committee from 1944 to 1948.

He also served the national organization as a member of the Law and Order

Committee, the Security Training Committee, Retirement Program, and the Foreign

Relations Commission Liaison Chairman. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 233 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-26-63

LEGION NEWS IN A NUT SHELL

The American Legion and its affiliated organizations, The American Legion Auxil- iary and the Eight and Forty, have reported expenditures of nearly 7% million dollars during the 12-months' period ending May 31, 1963, for child welfare and related chil- dren and youth activities, National Child Welfare Chairman Dr. Garland D. Murphy, Jr., of El Dorado, Ark., has announced. This year's report figure brings the total spent to nearly 186 million dollars since this program began in 1925.

Richard James Stratton, 17, of Leland, 111., has been elected president of The American Legion's 18th annual Boys Nation. One of his first duties was to lead the 100 senators from the various Boys States to the White House where they were greeted by President John F. Kennedy.

Gen. Earle G. Wheeler, chief of staff of the Army, and George Meany, president of the AFL-CIO, will deliver major addresses at the Sept. 11 business session of the 45th National Convention of The American Legion, Sept. 6-12, Miami Beach, Fla., National Commander James E. Powers has announced.

A festive pre-convention Labor Day holiday weekend, offering such advantages as discounts on hotel and car rental rates, awaits Legionnaires and their families ar- £nJn8Ae?o ^f ?iSVeach f°r the 45th Nati°™l Convention of The American Legion, Sept. 6-12, the 1963 Convention Corporation reports.

American Legion service officers have been advised by the National Rehabilita- tion Division that the Veterans Administration will review the dependency status of both parents in receipt of death compensation and those whose dependency claimed by veterans is basis for additional compensation.

Through a statement by Austin E. Kerby, assistant director of the National Economic Division, The American Legion has informed the House Committee on Post Office and Civil Service of its support of those provisions of HR 7381 which would amend the dual office-dual compensation laws. However, the Legion has expressed its opposition to those provisions of HR 7381 which would radically amend the Veterans' Preference Act of 1944, as amended. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 234 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-26-63

INDIANAPOLIS —(ALNS)— The American Legion and its affiliated organizations,

the American Legion Auxiliary and the Eight and Forty, have reported expenditures of

nearly 7% million dollars during the 12-months' period ending May 31, 1963, for

child welfare and related children and youth activities, National Child Welfare

Chairman Dr. Garland D. Murphy, Jr., of El Dorado, Ark., has announced.

Of the grand total, American Legion Posts, Departments, and National Organiza-

tion accounted for 5.2 million dollars, the second largest expenditure ever reported

by the Legion and an increase of nearly $300,000 over last year's report.

The child welfare report to the 45th National Convention, Sept. 6-12, Miami

Beach, Fla., will show expenditures by The American Legion of $5,205,925.57 which,

when added to the $1,948,545.70 spent by the American Legion Auxiliary and

$266,101.57 by the Eight and Forty (an organization of members of the Auxiliary),

totals a near-record $7,420,572.84. The Legion's total is based on written reports

received from 45 per cent of all posts, 50 departments, and the National Head-

quarters.

This year's child welfare expenditures figure brings the total funds spent

and reported by The American Legion and its affiliated organizations on child wel-

fare and related youth activities to $185,950,884.72 since the beginning of the

program in 1925.

Dr. Murphy pointed out that many of the child welfare activities conducted by

The American Legion and its affiliated organizations are in the nature of services

and, as such, cannot be reflected in a financial report.

"These service-type activities are often of far greater significance than

dollars and cents spent, and in time will prove themselves to be of greater value,"

the national child welfare chairman declared. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 235 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters

AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-26-63

WASHINGTON (ALNS) Richard James Stratton, 17, of Leland, 111., has been

elected president of the 18th annual Boys Nation, sponsored by The American Legion.

Stratton, the Federalist Party candidate, defeated Joseph Randall Jacobs, 17, of

Leawood, Kan., for the top honors accorded by the 100 youthful "senators" who

participated in this year's week-long workshop which concluded July 26. The 1963 Boys Nation president, who was elected state representative at the

Illinois Boys State, is president-elect of the senior class at Leland Community High

School where he was editor of the school newspaper, president of the science club,

and a member of the student council, mixed chorus, and library club. An Eagle Scout, he also was a winner in the Voice of Democracy contest and placed third in

area competition. Young Stratton was sponsored by leland Post 570 of The American

legion. In the race for vice president, the Nationalist Party elected its candidate, Jack Walton Hanks, Jr., 16, of Midland, Tex., who defeated the Federalist Party

candidate, Curtis Eaton, 17, of Twin Falls, Ida. President of his junior class at Robert E. Lee High School in Midland, the new vice president was elected lieutenant

governor at the Texas Boys State. He was sponsored by Woods W. Lynch Post 19 of

The American legion. One of the first duties of the new Boys Nation president was to lead the 100

"senators" to the White House where they were greeted in the rose garden by President

John F. Kennedy who was presented an official Boys Nation T-shirt by Stratton and a

Boys Nation pin by Hanks. The President commended The American Legion for this

activity as "one of the many fine things this organization does .... The American

Legion looks to the future as well as the past." After greeting each of the youths personally, President Kennedy expressed his

delight in his T-shirt gift, saying, "I'll wear this, this coming weekend." 236 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 7-26-63

INDIANAPOLIS — (ALNS) Gen. Earle G. Wheeler, chief of staff of the Army,

and George Meany, president of the AFL-CIO, will deliver major addresses at the

Sept. 11 business session of the 15th National Convention of The American Legion,

Sept. 6-12, Miami Beach, Fla., National Commander James E. Powers has announced.

A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, General

Wheeler assumed his duties as Army chief of staff last October, bringing to this

high office the experience gained through 38 years of military service in the

United States, Asia, and Europe.

During World War II, General Wheeler was chief of staff of the 63rd Infantry

Division while the outfit was still in training in Camp Van Dorn, Miss., and during

its deployment to the ETO.

His postwar assignments included overseas occupation duty; commander of the

Second Armored Division and III Corps, Fort Hood, Tex.; and deputy commander in

chief of United States European Command, his assignment immediately prior to his

present post.

One of the chief architects of the historic 1955 merger of the American

Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations, Meany was elected

to his first important union office in 1922 when he was named business agent for

his local union.

In 1952, he was chosen president of the AFL, and in 1955, he became the first

president of the combined AFL-CIO. His untiring efforts on behalf of the American

labor movement have brought him numerous honorary degrees from colleges and

universities in addition to several citations by patriotic and fraternal organizations.

Meany's union interests are rivaled only by his consistent battle against com-

munism. Because of his contributions to world peace and freedom, he was twice

appointed a U. S. delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 237 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters i AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-26-63

MIAMI BEACH —(ALNS)— A festive pre-convention Labor Day holiday weekend

awaits Legionnaires and their families arriving early in Miami Beach for the 45th

Rational Convention of The American Legion, Sept. 6-12, Lawrence E. Hoffman, presi-

dent of the 1963 Convention Corporation, has announced.

Convention Corporation officials suggest that those wishing to arrive early

should plan on coming to the convention city on Friday, Aug. 30, prior to the first

scheduled activities of the conclave on Friday, Sept. 6.

Among the advantages to be enjoyed by those early arrivals will be the oppor-

tunity to visit leisurely all the scenic spots of Miami Beach and vicinity.

Legionnaires will enjoy convention discounts on hotel rates and a 15 per cent re-

duction on car rentals.

Arrangements also have been made to secure reduced ticket prices on almost

all of the area's attractions, plus special rates for helicopter trips over the

Gold Coast. In addition, there are a number of tours, especially planned for pre-

convention Legion visitors, Hoffman reported.

"A number of the Convention Corporation committees have been working very

hard to make this Labor Day weekend package especially attractive," Hoffman added.

"It's a fine opportunity for Legionnaires to relax and see the sights before the

Convention gets down to serious business."

Further information on the Labor Day holiday weekend attractions can be ob-

tained by contacting: American Legion 1963 Convention Corporation, Venetian Isle

Motel, 20 Venetian Way, Miami Beach 39, Fla. 238 NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 r P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-26-63

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—American Legion service officers have been advised by

the National Rehabilitation Division that the Veterans Administration will review the

dependency status of both parents in receipt of death compensation and those whose

dependency claimed by veterans is basis for additional compensation.

Dependent parents of deceased veterans will receive special questionnaires with

their monthly compensation checks on or about Aug. 31,the VA eaid. At the same time,

veterans who are receiving additional service-connected disability compensation be-

cause of a dependent parent or parents will also receive the dependency questionnaire.

At the time parents were placed on compensation rolls, they were definitely

determined to be dependent. The purpose of the questionnaire is to establish the

fact that they have continued to be dependent and are still eligible for payment.

Legion service officers are advised that recipients of the questionnaire are

expected to return them before Oct. 31, and failure to return the forms with complete

information will result in suspension of payments.

Since the questionnaire cards will be handled by machinery, recipients are re-

quested not to fold, cut, mutilate, or trim them in any manner.

m «■ m

OKLAHOMA CITY. — (ALNS)— The American Legion of Oklahoma is the 10th depart-

ment to top its 1962 official membership total during 1963. With a current enroll-

ment of k6,2kQ reported at National Headquarters in Indianapolis, as of July 2k, the

Sooner State has achieved 100.15 per cent of last year's total of 1*6,176. National

Commander James E. Powers has sent congratulations to Department Commander C. B.

Witcraft of Pawhuska. HEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 239 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FCR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-26-63

WASHINGTON (ALNS) Through a statement by Austin E. Kerby, assistant

director of the National Economic Division, The American Legion has presented its

support of those provisions of HR 7381 which would amend the dual office-dual com-

pensation laws. However, the Legion has expressed its opposition to those pro-

visions of HR 7381 which would radically amend the Veterans' Preference Act of 194H,

as amended.

In his statement before the House Committee on Post Cffice and Civil Service,

Kerby said:

"The American Legion believes that the present laws concerning dual offices

and dual compensation are obsolete; that they are confusing and unfair because they

are applied in a discriminatory and complex manner. We support the provisions of

this bill which seek to simplify these laws and make them uniformly applicable to

all retired military personnel seeking employment with the government....

"Section 103 of the bill drastically alters present provisions of the Veterans'

Preference Act: Specifically Section 2, dealing with appointment, and Section 12,

relating to retention during reductions in force. It is with this part that The

American Legion is unalterably opposed....

"Veterans* preference in federal employment has been the policy of this nation

since its beginning; it is older than the Civil Service Merit System; and, it has

been merged successfully with the merit system since 1883. Congress has never

abandoned this traditional principle. We see no reason whatsoever in doing so now

as proposed in Section 103 of HR 7381.

"We do see, however, some merit in not permitting retired military personnel to count their total length of service in connection with reductions in force. The American Legion suggests that the bill be amended to provide that only military service performed during wartime be counted for the purposes of retention during reductions in force. And certainly, no retired military personnel should be denied preference in appointment." NEWS from: THE AMERICAN LEGION 240 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46206 P. 0. BOX 1055 ME 5-8411 National Headquarters AMERICAN LEGION NEWS SERVICE (ALNS) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 7-26-63

WASHINGTON—(ALNS)—Words of praise from the President of the United States and a firsthand account of the experiences of a Peace Corps volunteer highlighted a week packed with memorable activities for the 100 youthful "senators" at the l8th annual American Legion Boys Nation, July 19-26, here.

During the youths' visit to the White House, President John F. Kennedy, noting that both make-believe political parties of Boys Nation — Nationalist and Federalist — had adopted strong civil rights planks at their conventions, said with a smile: "I read about your meeting last night. It seemed to me that you showed more initia- tive in some ways than the Governors' Conference in Miami." (Press representatives interpreted the President's statement as a slap at the decision of the Governor's Conference in Miami Beach to delay any stand on civil rights for a year.)

The Federalist Party — whose candidate, Richard Stratton of Leland, 111., was elected president of Boys Nation - campaigned for a program to educate the citizens of the United States in regard to civil rights. The Nationalist Party declared that "racial discrimination is a cancerous disease."

At a National Press Club luncheon in their honor, the youths heard Alexander Estrin, a Peace Corps volunteer who recently returned to the U. S., describe his two years of service in Colombia, South America. Estrin told the lads that "lone- liness" was the greatest difficulty he encountered while working in a foreign land.

Presidential appointments for the 1963 Boys Nation are as follows:

Secretary of State Postmaster General Ronald S. Clark, Indianapolis, Ind. Joseph R. Jacobs, Leawood, Kan.

Secretary of Treasury Secretary of Interior Joseph W. Trujillo, Los Alamos, N. M. Ralph Farrar, Rapid City, S. D.

Secretary of Defense Secretary of Agriculture Tommy Taft, Brookgreen, N. C. Diemer D. True, Casper, Wyo.

Secretary of Army Secretary of Commerce Sam Wilson, Tampa, Fla. Ronald J. Stites, Independence, Mo.

Secretary of Navy Secretary of Labor Lawrence G. Taunton, El Dorado, Ark. Philip Brubaker, Cranford, N. J.

Secretary of Air Force Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Kenneth B. Rice, Mt. Vernon, Wash. John Durkay, Rockville, Md.

Attorney General Chief Justice of the United States Michael R. Hasselberg, Peoria, 111. David J. McDowell, Kent, Ohio

Associate Justices of the United States Supreme Court: Curtis Eaton, Twin Falls, Ida. David L. Diedrichsen, Sparks, Nev. Jefferey Keyes, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. James R. Vivian, Clovis, N. M. Bruce Grubaugh, Tehachapi, Calif. Phil P. Leventis, Columbia, S. C. Jeremy K. Ota, Portland, Ore. James M. Perry, Fairfax, Vt.