The South Dakota American Legion charter was applied for on June 17, 1919. Nick Goeres Post 5, Plankinton, was chartered June 30, 1919 by the National American Legion.
It was chartered July 7, 1919 by the Department of South Dakota American Legion.
The change of name from Nick Goeres Post 5 to Goeres-Woods Post 5 was granted January 15, 1948.
There is a period of time that the post has no records. In the 70's, Ken Nolan was the Commander followed by Robert Burchfield. Then in the mid 80's, Albert Stoddard became the commander with Charles Haines was the adjutant. Delmar Nowak was adjutant following Charles Haines.
Paul Payne became adjutant on June 30, 2008. Ron Berens became commander in December 2010.
As a post, It sponsors the oratorical contest and Boys State. They had brothers go to Boys Nation, Michael Mayclin went to Boys Nation in 2008 and James Mayclin went in 2013.
The post helped build the Aurora County Memorial in 2011 which is found in front of the courthouse in Plankinton.
In 2009, the post started out with 18 members and they have 30 members in 2016. They have received the Go-Getters Award since 2009.
