William G. Pierce,born in Bellows Falls,Enlisted June 19,1916,(Private of Company E, 1st Vermont Inf.(102 Machine Gun Battalion, US Army)  from 23 Oak Street,Bellows Falls,VT. Overseas tour Sept 23,1917 to April 20,1918, when he was killed in action.  He is buried in St Charles Cemetery, Bellows Falls, VT. He was the son of John J. Pierce and resided in Bellows Falls in the Pierce homestead 28 Oak Street and..

Fred Ira L. Lawton was killed in action September 24, 1917. He was born in Bellows Falls in 1895. He attended schools in Bellows falls and Saxtons River. He was a member of the 103d Machine Gun Battalion Comapny C. 

His brother Paul, also a member of the 103d MG Bn, died May 20,1917 of disease. Fred was a member of the Sons of Veterans. Also a member of I.O.O.F. lodge of Saxtons River. He was..

Mary E. Keefe:Born 12/31/1861 in Bellows Falls,VT.  Called to service 10/10/1918 Org: General Hospital Ft Ontario NY until D/C on 5/5/1919. She died following gallbladder surgery at Rockingham Hospital July 7/1927. She was the daughter of Irish immigrants. 

Grace Jenkins called to serve 1/2/1918 Org: Base Hospital, Camp Travis . Texas March 1919; Gen. Hospital 40: June 1919; General Hospital 30 to discharge on 9/19/1919. She was a nurse that lived on 11 Atkinson St, Bellows..

Frank J. Griffin , born, October 7, 1897, in Walpole, NH and residing in Bellows Falls, VT on enlistment April 3, 1917. He was assigned to Company E, 1st Vermont Infantry and Company A, 103d Machine Gun Battalion to July 23, 1918. 

Obtained the grade of Private on August 23, 1917. Went overseas October 3,1917 and was killed in action 7/23/1918.

He is buried at St. Charles Cemetery in Westminster,Vt. He was 21 years old.

J.J. Fenton Jr., Chief Quartermaster US Navy Reserve Force enlisted April 28,1917. Died at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida in a Scout plane accident. At 9:10 pm on a flight with his instructor, he neared the shore to come in for the night, He had completed an hour of flying and his instructor said “ well done, I couldn’t have done it better”. at the shore he went down and he landed about..

Our preliminary charter was submitted at the end of 1919 to the National organization. In 1920 we received a permanent charter and Capt. Thomas J. Brickley becomes the first post commander and organizer of Post #37.

Residence Bellows Falls, Born in North Walpole, NH He is buried at the St Peters cemetery in Drewsville, NH

Entered Federal Service on 4/2/1917 as a 2d LT for 1st Vermont Infantry too August 1917. Then 101st Ammunition Tn. to his..

Temporary Charter Application sent to National HQ and Established 1919. From 1919 to 1923 Post #37 held their meetings at the State Armory. The original signers as “Charter members” were: Thomes Brickley Commander; James H. McDonald Jr. Adjutant; Arthur J. Sherman Treasurer; Wilford C. Moore Service Officer; Walter S. Shaw Historian; W.H. Cyrus, Melvin Fontaine, Joseph K. Doyle, W.F. Donegal, James Docuette, James Slattery, H.L. Neilson, Harold Coffee, John Lindstrom, A.A. Fontaine, Michael Moynihan, Thomas..

 Captain Byron Adams Robinson becomes Post Commander. He enlisted on 11/10/1917.Primary station of duty: Washington DC and Metuchen, NJ He was discharged 10/28/1919, Boston, Mass.   

Grades: 2Lt Engineers 10/10/1917 and Captain Q.M.C.N.A. 3/21/18.

Organization: Quartermaster Corps

After his term as Commander, he became the Post Service Officer.

He died 1953 and is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls,VT. 

Born in North Walpole,NH January 22, 1892. Died 2/26/1971 at the age of 79. He worked for the Railway Express as an agent. Married to Etta Ann. Wolfe. They lived in Bellows Falls. He enlisted 2/10/1917. He was a member of Company E, 1st Vermont Infantry from 8/23/1917; Company A 103d M.G. Bn to discharge.

Grades Discharged a Corporal 4/29/1919 at Camp Devens. His overseas tour was 10/3/1917 to 4/17/1919

Also served as Commander in 1926-27

Born May 15, 1896 of Immigrant parents from Ireland. (Bridget and Patrick). DIED Jan 2, 1963.Worked for railway Express.

Enlisted Feb 10,1917 in Bellows Falls, member of Company E 1st Vermont Infantry to discharge. (Company C 103d M.G. Bn ).. Slightly wounded in action on July 23,1918. Overseas from October 3,1917 to july 7,1919.

Discharge was dated July 12, 1919.

Dr, Leroy Knight born in Marlow,NH, on Sept 10, 1886; residence Bellows Falls, VT

Called to Active service on September 8, 1917. ORGANIZATION: 117TH Sn. Tn.; Base hospital 79. 

Primary station camp Mills, NY.

Grade: Captain 2/17/19 commission. 

Overseas: October 18, 1917 to July 5, 1919.

Discharged July 30, 1010 Camp Dix, NJ  Dr. Knight was a dentist. 

Born 11/1/1890 Bellows falls, VT; Died in Bennington, VT June 19, 1978 at the age of 87. 

Enrolled in Burlington 7/20/1918. Station: Naval Training Camp, Pelham Bay Park, NY to October 24, 1918. Second Class Engineman for 114 days. Inactive Duty on August 1, 1919. Headquartered at 1st Naval Dist. Boston, Mass. 

Gardell was the Chief Engineer for the International Paper Company. His father William L. Mandigo was Post Commander of the E.H. Stoughton Post of the..

Post #37, moved from the Armory to the Times building on 55-57 Square, Bellows Falls,VT., from 1924-1927. 

Born April 14, 1892 in Bellows Falls: Died 6/6/49. Buried at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Keene NH

Enlistment date August 3, 1918 and Discharge 5/17/1919. He served with the US Army 101st Ordinance Depot Company at Fort Meade, Maryland. Last rank: Corporal. 

He was employed as a sign painter and later Greenfield Gas and Light Company as an office manager. 

See William C. Carney 1921-22 information

Enlisted March 19,1917 Bellows Falls. Entered Federal Service April 17,1917. Member of Company E, 1st Vermont Infantry to August 23, 1917. Company D 103d M.G. Bn to discharge. 

Overseas: 10/3/1917 to April 17, 1919. Wounded in action on October 23, 1918. Discharged April 29, 1919. 

Grade: SGT: 10/3/1917; PVT 1/29/1918; PFC 8/15/1918. 

He served as our service officer following his tenure as commander.

Pierce Lawton Post #37 Hosted the Vermont Department Convention.August 25-27, 1927. It was the ninth Annual Convention. 

As you can note the Lady Liberty statue in on the front cover of the yearbook. See gallery for additional pictures of the State Convention Booklet. Great info. 

The president of the United States was Vermont's own Calvin Colliidge. 

Post Commander William C. Carney. and Raymond H. Griswold was the Local Convention Chairman. 

Paul Glynn was Post #37 Adjutant and John H...

The Town of Rockingham leased the American Legion, Pierce Lawton Post #37 the third floor of the Town Hall Building, To be  shared with the Ladies of The American Legion, the E.H. Star ughton Post of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Women’s Relief Corps. 

The rent was $100.00 annually, the town would furnish the heat, janitorial services and make repairs as needed. 

The post was responsible for the electric bill. 

Trustees for the post were:..

Born 9/25/1881 in Bellows Falls, VT and died July 26, 1950 at the VA Medical Center in  Hartford, VT at the age of 68 from severe Pulmonary emphysema. 

Enlisted June 28, 1917 in White river Jct. 

Organization: E. R. C. to July 26, 1917. Quartermaster Corps Camp Devens to discharge to accept commission. 

He was a First Sergeant April 11, 1918. 

He was commissioned a 2d LT Sept 14, 1918 in the Quartermaster Corps.Camp Devens

Discharged August 1, 1919. 

He worked..

Company M. 1st Vermont Infantry to August 23, 1917.

Company E 101st Ammunition Train to April 8,  1919. 

246th Com. M.P.C. to 10/15/1919 and 285th Company M.P.C. to discharge on 11/6/1919. 

Slightly wounded in action on 10/25/1918

Overseas tour: 1/17/1918 to 11/3/1919. 

The announcement was made at the State Convention that Post #37 had organized a drum and bugle corps. 

Born in Ludlow Vermont March 8, 1895 death 4/8/1957

Enlisted July 9,1917 Ft Ethan Allen at 22 4/12 years old. 

Organization Company A, 1st Vermont Inf. to August 1917. Co C 102d M.G. Bn to discharge. 

Overseas Sept 23,1917 to April 17, 1919

Wounded in action about 10/24/1918

Discharged April 29, 1919 at Camp Devens

The Retail business,Merchants and Tradesmen Assoc. of Bellows Falls helps raise money to pay the expenses for Post #37 Legionnaires to the Boston National Convention. 

Born 1/26/1883, death 6/6/1961. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Bellows Falls, VT

Enlistment date 7/2/1917 U.S, Navy  rank Quartermaster 1st class. 

Station: Camp Burraage, Boston, Mass to Aug 24, 1917; USS Hubbard to June 6, 1918; Naval Base 19: France to Nov 11,1918. 

Inactive duty 1/9/1919 as a 1st class Gunner's Mate, Rec.Sh., New York, NY

He was a Prohibition Officer

Attended Norwich University as a cadet 1900-1902  played on the baseball, football and basketball teams. Lawyer, Brattleboro,VT

 Daniel served two..

Born in Bellows Falls, Vt

Enlisted 7/7/1917 Boston, Mass

Organization: Base Hospital 44 to discharge

Overseas: 7/6/1918 to April 20, 1919 Discharged on May 2,1919  as Private First Class.

Mr. Kiniry was well know as operating the Opera house for many years. He also came to the rescue and opened the Dreamland Theatre when the town hall burned down. He did pen the Opera House movie theatre in the 30’s along with Charlie Gillis as operator and he as..

Elton lived in Bellows Falls, VT, Born in Alstead, NH May 3, 1892 Died 2/15/1965 

Enlisted Dec 21, 1917 Fort Slocum, NY prior job: chauffeur for J.P. Ripley in Bellows falls, VT and later a mechanic.His mother Margaret Sloan was born in Scotland. 

Organization: Company C, 439th Supply Tn. to July 6, 1919; HQ Detachment 439th Supply Tn to discharge

Grades: Corporal Nov 12, 1918. 

Overseas April 23, 1918 to July 5, 1919. Discharged 7/10/1919. 

Born 5/26/1896  in Hardwick, VT Death 2/27/1974. Worked in Bryant Chuck and Grinder, Springfield, VT

Army veteran Enlistment date 4/3/1917, in Sprinfield, VT  and released 4/29/1919. 

Organization: Company K, 1st Vermont Infantry to August 23, 1917; Company G 101st Ammunition Tn to discharge. 

Grade: Bglr. 5/19/1917

Overseas: 10/3/1917 to April 23, 1919. Discharged at Camp Devens 4/29/1919

Born 10/29/1889 in Goole, Yorkshire, England Died 11/22/1963 age of 74.

Enlisted 1/18/15 in Bellows falls, VT

Entered Federal Service 4/4/17 Company E 1st Vermont Infantry to 8/23/1917; Company B 103d M.G. Bn to discharge,

Last grade Sergeant 8/17/1919Overseas: 10/3/1917 to 4/17/19 and discharge at Camp Devens on 4/29/1919

Born July 27,1897 Burlington, VT, parents from Quebec, Canada, grandparents from Scotland. He died July, 16,1941, age 44,of a gastric ulcer and hemorrhage, Buried in Burlington, VT

Enlisted in Clarkson College, Postsdam, NY Student Army Training Corps...which was a two month intensive training program for college students. During WWI the federal government wanted college students to attend and train, in now a ROTC type course to be prepared to be inducted into the military.

Inducted 10/15/1918 and..

T. Howard Todd General Chairman of the Convention Committee. Post Executive Board: Donald Yates, Commander; Elton Porter, 1st Vice Commander; Anthony Andosen, 2d Vice Commander; Philias Grignon Adjutant; Charles Jurkiewicz, Finance Officer; Raymond Kiniry, Wilfred Bodine, Charles L. Wilson,and T. Howard Todd. Housing: Philias Grignon Registration: Leonard Pearson Finance: Donald Yates Badges and Trophies: Hugh W. Sullivan Publicity and Printing: Raymond Cornwell Decorations: Charles L. Wilson Halls: John Lindstrom Golf: Edward..

see gallery page. 

Squadron #37 was the largest chartered junior group in Vermont with 50members in 1940. After World War II began, we lose track of the Squadron. Perhaps many served and now were veteran. 

BORN IN  New Brunswick,Canada,4/28/ 1899.He arrived in Massuchusetts 7/1/12 and Declaration date was 10/8/17.  .Died in 1/3/1987 Berlin, VT Convalescent home.He is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery . 

 Worked in local Papermill , woodworking and manufacturing machinist.

. 

pictures found with the library of Congress shows Bellows Falls American Legion Post #37 holds a carnival for the community. See other pictures in photo gallery. 

What should be noted, this was before  WWII , so this was a project of the WWI veterans. 

Post and Unit memners led by Mr and Mars John Lindstrom felt company E needed support and so troop boxes were sent. See the packing list (to include cigarette!) for the boys. 

The Vilas Bridge was guarded by soldiers in 1941. These soldiers were active duty. The community organizations and leaders  wanted to show their appreciation for their efforts while they were away from their families. These soldiers were housed at the CC camps near Saxtons River.

Date of Birth 7/5/1892, in Wolcott, VT- Died at the VA medical Center , White River Jct. 10/6/1961 of Chronic bronchitis and emphysema from WWI gas exposure. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery. His occupation was Woodsman with Lumber company. 

Inducted 8/5/1918 Hyde Park, NY

He served 8/5/1918-10/5/1920. 

Organization Syracuse Rct. Cp., NY to discharge from Staten Island, NY

Everett enlisted in the Army Air Forces. Had the rank of First Lieutenant. Service number: 0-331381.

He served with the Aviation, 803rd Engineer battalion.

Carney experienced a traumatic event which resulted in the loss of life on September 20, 1942. This occurred around the Phillipines. He died as Prisoner of War under Japanese control. 

He was a POW at Cabanatuan POW Camp. The Japanese moved their prisoners to this former Army encampment following the Bataan march to camp..

PVT Bernard F. Gallagher, 39, previously reported in January to have been MIA in Belgium since December 18th, is now reported killed in action, according to a telegram received to his parents Mr and Mrs Dennis J. Gallagher of 8 Brown St.

A letter from his company commander Capt. Joseph H. Dibert to Mrs Gallagher read as follows: “By the time you have received word from the War Department that your son, Bernard F. Gallagher, has..

Robert Hamlin Roby, born March 21,1920 . Residence: Bellows Falls, Vermont. 

Enlisted in the Navy.Had the rank of Petty Officer First Class. Specialty: Motor Machinist's Mate First Class. 

Service Number: 2125296. Served with USS Tullibee (SS-284).

Roby was declared missing and ultimately declared dead on March 26,1944. This occurred in or around North of Palau, western Pacific Ocean. Recorded circumstances: "Missing in action, Lost at sea, Sunk by circular run of own torpedo"'

Buried at Tablets of the Missing,..

Born  December 27, 1898- Pittsford, VT  Died May 31,1977 in Rochester, NH  He was the proprietor of Western Auto Associates Store and a mechanic. 

Served Oct 3, 1917 to June 7, 1919. 

 Ed Fabian was Post adjutant in 1942.

Father was Fabbiani, so I believe the name was changed for some unknown reason.

Unit #37 is proud of the work Bessie Bodine has done to advance the programs of The American Legion Auxiliary. 

Born June 5, 1893 in Worcester,  Massachusetts of Irish immigrant father. Proprietor of garage O'Connor Brothers.Died 1/19/1954.Acute alcoholism/myocarditis.Rockingham, Vt age 62.

Leon Bugbee; Born June 2,1918 in Chelsea, VT Died in Marion, Florida March 7,1995.

Entered military service US Marine Corps : June 17,1944-dec 17, 1945 3d Recruit Bn, Paris Island, SC.

Born October 21,1924 in Brattleboro,VT  Father Born in Canada. Died at the age of 84. 8/6/2009. 

Entered active duty USAF: 18 March 1943-Seperated 1/2/1946. 

Occupation: Book keeper.

Post #37 established their first educational scholarship program to honor Gordon Graham who was killed in action on the USS Dorchester. (Please see Gordon Graham on the gallery pages for more information, 

The first Scholarship was $400.00 that the Post Committee presented to a senior graduating and attending college. 

Post #37 had 500 members at that time. 

Gambling laws enacted to remove slot machines  from all organizations and businesses.,,,,,,This mandate began a decline in profits for the organization, Financial worries begin. 

Born  Dec 15,1921 

Enlistment date 1/16/1940 Activated on  2/24/1941 -10/19/45 Bellows Falls, VT into  Army Infantry  Private

Born 9/22/1913 in Rockingham, Vermont Died 2/11/2002. 

Commisioned on 9/8/1942 Seperated  11/16/45 wounded 7/11/1944. LTJG working in Jag office as Lawyer in US Navy.

served in 1949 as a Town selectman. 

Natt was a lawyer and in 1947 appointed municipal court judge by Governor Gibson And later a Superior Court Judge. He was well loved by all. 

Born 10/27/1894 in Littleton, NH  died 1979 in Saxtons River, VT Cardiac arrest. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery

Inducted in Burlington, VT on 5/16/1918.

Organization Mech. Det. University of Vermont to July 13,1918. 152d Dep. Brigade to July 17, 1918. Company F 312th Supply Tn. to discharge. 

Grade Corporal June 23, 1919. 

Overseas: August 20,1918 to July 22, 1919.  Discharged 7/30/1919. 

Born 5/25/1909 Bellows Falls,Vermont.  Died 3/27/1974 COPD Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery. He worked as a hardware clerk. Single, never married. 

Entered active duty: 9/16/1942 to 11/5/1945 US Army. Corporal. 

The theme was fighting the threat of communism. The Korean War veterans returned and with WWII veterans hosting the many speakers for a solemn observance. 

Born July13, 1910 Bellows Falls, VT  Buried Oak Hill Cemetery, Bellows Falls, VT Died 3/9/1998. 

Post Master 7/17/71

US Army veteran. Entered Active duty: 4/15/1942 to 11/14/1945. Staff Sergeant. 

Born 10/14/1926 In Walpole, NH Residence Bellows Falls, VT Died Jan 1985 Palm Beach, Florida.

US Army Corporal: Entered Active Duty: 3/24/41- 10/25/45 . 

"Jack" was also Post Adjutant for many years. The post relied on his commitment and dedication to others. 

The American Legion Auxiliary established a Junior and Tiny Tots program for the young ladies of veterans.

Chairwomen: Pauline Yates; Secretary Treasurer: Patricia O’Hearne; Chaplain: Sharron Chapdelaine; Sergeant at Arms: Irene Kimball; and Color Bearers: Mary Fair and Mary Cray. It’s major project was Americanism. Tiny Tots were children younger than the teenaged Junior group. 

American Legion “Junior” squad begins. Commander Jack O’Hearne announces. Joseph Joy and Richard Red Forbush would be working with the youth team.

Born 7/8/1919 in Bellows Falls, Vt where he lived all his life. Died Nov 10, 2000 at Bennington Veterans Home. Metastatic Abdominal Cancer Age 81. 

Postal Clerk in Bellows Falls

American Legion Department Sergeant at Arms for Dept. Commander Wayne Mclean in 1986-87. 

He held every office and chairmanship in the post and was noted in his later years as the "Father of Post #37".

United States Navy Entered active duty 7/30/1942 Seperated 12/17/1945 .

Paul Clarey was a volunteer bugler for many military funeral ceremonies in Bellows Falls. He excelled in school and became very successful in his collegiate career. This was the first award of Merit by Post #37.

Mabel Pearson was wife of Department Commander Harry Oliver Pearson , also from Post #37. We are proud of her advocacy of veterans and American Legion Auxiliary programs.

Membership is the life blood of The American Legion and Commander O’Hearne knows that you need a terrific ”go getter”.

GordonJacobs was appointed to the job of recruitment and retention!!

Donald Perkins is killed two days prior to cease fire . 

Commander Edmund Lawlor becomes Post Commander. This is the year Post #37 moves from the Town Hall to the present location wn as the Dreamland Theatre.

American Legion Auxiliary becomes installed in a joint celebration of new Post and Unit officers

Jack O’Hearne , Mabel Pearson and Harry O.Pearson highlighted for the accomplishments as State Officers.

American Legion wins state awards. 

Socialization and a spirit of working together has always been a priority at Post #37. Together they invited veterans from BF and surrounding areas.

Mr. Edward Fleming of Spokane, Washington, sells property, where the Dreamland Theatre stands to Post #37in 1954.

South 52 degrees, 10W for a distance of 90feet. N40degrees 37W for a distance of 97 feet. 

Helen Fleming Lambert, daughter of Edward Fleming , was from Rockingham, VT, as well as, Raymond Kinsey Past Post Commander were at the signing of the deed. 

No purchase price noted. 

Bill Johnson Born October 19, 1924 in Detroit Michigan and died Jan 1, 1986, at the South West Medical Center in Bennington, VT. Pulmonary Emboli/Alzheimers 

Rockingham, VT Occupation: Electrician. Wife Marion Johnson, Past Unit President. 

Enlisted into the US Navy July 1, 1942. Discharged 10/19/1945

Harry was an accountant/Office Manager  at the Pulp and Paper  Company. He was married to Mabel Pearson who was also a Past Department President of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Born: 8/10/1902 and death 1/10/1965 at the VA Hospital in White River Jct., VT Suffering from Chronic emphysema.  Lived in Charlestown, NH . Buried at Pine Grove Cemetery Lynn, Mass. 

Served in WW1 10/22/1916-11/18/1919. 

Served in the Canadian Army sometime 1941-1944. He served in the Dental Corps. 

Born June 7, 1918 and died 12/1991. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Bellows Falls, VT. 

Farmer, education only through grammer school. 

He joined the National Guard in 1941 and was an infantry private in US Army. 

Born 7/23/1897 in danville, VT Died 2/4/1961 Heart Attack. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery.  He worked as a paper cutter at Robinson Paper Mill in Bellows Falls, VT and proprietor of a Steam Laundry. 

Enlistment into US Navy was 4/10/17 and activated on 5/29/17. Discharged 9/20/1919. Rank 2d Class BM

Born 1925 in Putney, VT Died 3/28/1998.

Enlistment into US Marine Corps: 8/14/45 to 8/26/46 rank PFC

Born April 26, 1916 Bellows Falls,VT Died 5/9/1997 Buried Mass. National Cemetery. 

US Navy WWII 9/9/42 to 2/7/46. USS Bermingham. Rank: SF1. 

Legion grave sites purchased at Oak Hill Cemetery. Deed states Section 21 Avenue T plots 4,5&6.

Born 10/28/1930 in  Rockingham,Vermont, Died 6/27/2010. Buried in the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph,, VT. Lived in Drewsville, NH. Retired from Vt National Guard: Major. 

Rocky served in the US Navy and the Army National Guard Enlisting 11/3/1947; Navy 6/22/1948 to 6/13/52. 

US Army National Guard from 12/16/52 to 2/4/63 Rank Captain. 

1963-1967 Final rank Major. retired. 

Born 10/10/27  Shelburne, Mass. Died 2018 Keene, NH. Buried Oak Hill Cemetery, Bellows Falls, VT

United States Navy veteran: 5/4/45 enlisted. Active duty: 6/6/1945-8/5/46. Rank E-4. 

Born March 13, 1926 in Bellows Falls, VT , Died 4/22/ 1989. Worked as a meter reader for Granite State Electric.Enlistment 9/28/44-8/30/45 

US Army veteran: Private  9/28/44 to 8/30/45

Purple Heart recipient. 

“Old Timers Night”, held at Post 37 , marking the 50th anniversary of the United States entering WWI. Over 30 WWI veterans attended a dinner hosted by the Legion Post. 

From left to right: front row: James Bradshaw,Baptiste Aumand,Harold Cady, Harry McArdle,Guy Simonds and Humphrey Neal.

Seated in back: Henry Boucher, Michael Manning, Russell Brown and Charles Hurlburt.

Standing from left to right: unidentified guest from Townshend, Grover Brackett, Paul Glynn, William Barry, Edgar Howe, Gardell Mandingo, William..

Born 10/02/21 in Holyoke, Mass, residence Bellows Falls, Vt. Died August 25, 2008. Buried in St Peters Cemetery, Drewsville, NH

US Navy E-6 Entered service: 8/19/42- discharge 12/23/45. 

First state Championship for Post #37

Annual installations with State Commander Counos from St Albans, VT. 1965.

Left to Right: Danny Settani, unknown, unknown,state commander, N. Roger Hammond,unknown, district commander, Dusty Rhodes.

Born 4/23/23 in Ludlow, Vermont, Died 12/28/1997. He was an executive at Standard Paper Company.

US Marine Corps Entered active duty Feb 11, 1943 as a PFC; 1944 Corporal stationed at theMarine Barracks, Marine Corps Air Station, Naval Operating Base.  Discharged Sep 17, 1945. as a Corporal.

Records of January 1945 show a Marine Detachment, Navy V-12 Unit, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH

Born 11/22/25 in Claremont, New Hampshire Worked as a press cutter at Robertsons Paper mill in Bellows Falls and later employed at St Johnsbury Trucking Company. 

US Navy veteran Date of enlistment 6/21/1943 Stationed on the USS LCI (L) 421. In 1945 he was on the USS LST 691 Seaman 1st Class. 

He attended Cook’s baker school in Norton Hgts, CT. 20 weeks.  

 Boston Red Sox , 2001 Hall of Famer Carleton “Pudge” Fisk seen in the back row. 

Born 7/8/1894 Quebec, Canada. Died 3/9/1984

Served in WWI US Army 7/14/1914-4/29/19.

He was a paper maker in Bellows Falls. Also worked in the US Post Office in Bellows falls, VT. 

Fred C.H. Frappiea Jr. was born December 5, 1947. Residence: Saxtons River, Vermont.

He enlisted in the Army. Start of tour date December 14,1967. He was the rank of PFC. Specialty: Light Weapons Infantry. Service # 11747950. Served with the 101st Airborne Division, 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry C. Comapny. 

He died through hostile action in South Vietnam of artillery rocket mortar. 

He is honored on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, Panel 45e, Line 55. 

He was the only recorded death,..

Born June 9, 1926 in New Haven, VT. Died 11/30/1987. Cancer of larynx. Head custodian at the school district. Buried at St Charles Cemetery.

US Navy Veteran Enlistment date 1/25/1944 and discharge 6/6/1946. Rank E-3

Born Jan 9,1914 Bellows Falls, VT, Died March March 5, 1985. Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease. Retired Clerk from A&P Grocery.Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery. 

US Army veteran. Enlistment date Mar 28,1942 to discharge Aug 17, 1943 Grade: private.

Danny became the advisor to the newly chartered program of the Sons of The American Legion in 1978. 

The photo shows Edmund, James T. Hart (post adjutant) and Commander Danny Settani presenting the award. A dinner honoring Edmund for his years of service as a Past Post Commander and many offices and chairmanships she had held. Edmund was also Department Sergeant of Arms in 1986.

Ed was the “father“ of the post for many years. His spirited debates to do what was right for our veterans were heard at post meetings, as well as,..

Born Jan 12, 1930 in Springfield, VT.  Died 10/7/2014. .Buried in St Peters Cemetery.Bartender, Taxi Driver, Shop worker. 

US Navy: AMS3 Korean war era. Ken was the first Korean War veteran to serve as Commander of Post #37. 

Born July 13, 1915 Death Feb 11, 2000 in Bellows Falls, VT Buried at St. Charles Cemetery. Renal Cell Carcinoma with metastasis. 

Matt was a WWII  Army veteran. Enlistment August 3, 1942 in Manchester NH, Release date 11/17/1945. Matt was part of forces that liberated Holocaust victims. He was a private. 

Born July 4, 1946 Bellows Falls, Vermont

US Army and the first Vietnam Era Veteran to become Post Commander. Serving 1975-1978.The youngest Commander Post #37 has ever had. 

He was the chairman of the  convention committee 1978 in Bellows Falls. His tenure with Post #37 made him the mentor for younger veterans post Vietnam. 

Terrence Griffin represented the Department of Vermont at the Nashville, TN 2004 National Convention, where he made the nomination speech for Vermont and New..

Commander Walter Burns and Auxiliary President Rebecca Carlisle cut the Cake at the Post Birthday Supper. 

Born October 19, 1924 in Detroit Michigan and died Jan 1, 1986, at the South West Medical Center in Bennington, VT. Pulmonary Emboli/Alzheimers 

Rockingham, VT Occupation: Electrician. Wife Marion Johnson, Past Unit President. 

Enlisted into the US Navy July 1, 1942. Discharged 10/19/1945

Born August 9, 1931 Revere, Mass;  Died August 9, 1996 of Heart attack. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery. Occupation: First Class Lineman, General Electric Company. 

Korean War Veteran US/Marine COmpany I 3d Bn 1st Mar Div . Rank: July 1952 Camp Lejeune E2; PFC on 26 July 1953;

January 1954 Co I 3rd Bn 1st Mar 1st Mar Divsion Mri 6 Pearl. on Jan 16, 1955 he was discharged at the rank of Corporal. 

 Commander from 1977-1979.

Dan Settani becomes advisor to The Sons of The American Legion. Over 40years of support of American Legion programs,

This is a revitalization effort after years of being dormant. 

1941 Convention book has a Squadron #37 listed. Commander: Kenneth Condon; Adjutant: Norman Clowes; Finance Officer: Herbert Chandler. In subsequent yearbooks there is no mention of Detachment officers. 

Post Commander Terrence “Terry” Griffin led the Legionnaires to a new spirit of commitment. His patriotism, dedication to the principles of The American Legion gave a new beginning for our organization. 

Due to the loss of the Windham hotel and others, this would be the last of the Post #37 hosted conventions. As the Legion membership grew in size, it was impossible to provide adequate facilities to host another convention. 

Please see gallery for schedule of events..

Born: July, 9, 1930, Bellows Falls, VT. Civilian occupation: Clerk and Meat Manager at the First National Store

US Army veteran Rank of SFC. Date of rank: 11/19/1953. Korean war veteran. 2/21/52 entered military in Springfield, Mass. Battery C, AAA AW Bn (SP). Service school Quartermaster As unit supply specialist. Released 2/23/1954. 

 Awards: Korean Service medal w/3 Bronze service stars, Commendation Ribbon w/Metal Pendant; National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal. 

Commander of Post #37 1979-1981. 

Born December 3, 1931 in Lincoln, Vermont. Died Feb 12, 2000 in Bellows Falls, VT Aortic Aneurysm. Buried Oak Hill Cemetery. 

Wayne worked for Gays Express and Holmes Transportation as a local truck driver. 

Commander 1981-1982. 

Chairman of Boy Scouts,  State Southern Area Commissioner of American Legion Baseball.

US Navy veteran Enlisted in Chester, VT. Electricians mate 2d class. 

Born:11/23/29 Torrington, CT; Died:                        Buried St Peters Cemetery Drewsville, NH His occupation before enlistment: Machine operator at Hudson Pulp and PaperCo. , Bellows Falls, VT

 Entered US Army Sept 5,1950 in Brattleboro,VT- June 22, 1952. Infantry: 172d Infantry Regiment 43rd Division.Rank SFC (DOR Sept 1, 1951). He also had 3 years in the VT National Guard.

Award: Army Occupation Medal (Germany).

Post Commander: 1982-1985

Post Commander from 1985-1987

Served as Post Finance officer: 1996-2002

Son in law of John Prendergast. 

Vietnam veteran 

1954 a young Korean War veterans suffers a cerebral aneurysm. Facing death or certain vegetative state , the VA doctors did not give much hope to his young wife. Wayne, just 28 and Beverly 27, they faced a tragic cross road. Brenda age 5 years,  only knew daddy wasnt coming home. But, after months in a coma, he returned , not able to speak or walk.He worked diligently, day in and day out, wanting only..

Marjorie “Marge” Murphy, married to Joseph Murphy, who would later become Department Commander, was elected Department President. She would serve with Post #37’s own Wayne P.Mclean Department Commander. 

Marge come to Vermont from Connecticut, found Vermont her home. She loved to sing patriotic songs. She had a spirit that made her tenure inspirational. 

Born June 23, 1942 Keene, NH 

US Airforce entered July 12, 1960-Jan 27, 1964. 418th Munitions Maintenance Sq. Rank E-3 Airman 2d class. MOS F46250 Weapons Mech. Armorer. Completed Bomber special Weapons Course. 

Awards: Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Airforce Good Conduct Medal. 

Commander 1987-1989

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Born:December 1939 In  Rutland, Vermont Home of Record on enlistment was Chester, VT. 

Enlisted: August 26,1958-2/16/1962 Airman 2d class or E-3. Supply Specialist With 325th Airbase Group.

Carol, Vietnam era Air Force veteran was elected the first woman commander of Post #37. serving from 1990-1992. 

She continued her commitment by serving several years as Department of Vermont County Commander, 5th district commander and Southern area commander. She has served on many Department Committees: VAVS committee was the longest..

Buried:  Saxtons'River Cemetery. Worked for Cota & Cota Fuel company. 

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Born: April 3, 1935 Rockingham, VT.

This red headed young man entered US Airforce 12/5/1956 He was a Morse IHTCP Operator, Radio Operator. He served until August 27, 1962. Date of rank: Ssgt June 1, 1959. Served Overseas in Darmstadt, Germany 1 year and 6 months. Last duty station 6917th RGM. Discharged from Maggie AFB, NJ. 

Previous service 1/12/1953 to 12/3/1956 School for Radio Intcpt Operator 29351 MOS. Keebler AFB, Mississippi. 

Total service time 9 years, 8 1/2..

Born June 11, 1962.Bellows Falls, VT 

First Grenada Veteran elected Post Commander. 

United States Army: 1981-1994. SSg. Served in the US Medical Corps as a Combat medic and Army Nurse. Walter Reed Army Hospital, 13th Medical Detach.(Germany), 556th Medical Company, 351st General Hospital . 

Awards: Army Commendation, Army Achievement, Good Conduct, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, 

Department Chairman: Membership, Children and Youth, Scholarship, Constitution and Bylaws.

National Legion College Graduate 1999..

Born: December 19, 1928 Rockingham, VT; Died 2018 Buried at the Rockingham Meeting House cemetery. 

 Worked at Holmes Transportation, truck driver. 

USA WWII veteran: October 2, 1946 to August 17, 1949.  

Post Commander 1997-1999

Buried in St Peters cemetery, Drewsville, NH

US Navy veteran of the Korean War. TM 2d class. 

Tut was the Post Adjutant for two decades. His dedication to the post and the leadership he provided, to the Commanders in which he served, as administrator and mentor, warranted the honor of Past Post Commander. 

Born: Feb 27, 1966 in Worcester, Mass. The only daughter and youngest child of Richard and Dorothy Bigwood. 

Graduated June 1, 1984 from Asante Valley Regional Vocational HS. Worked in a pewter factory in Hudson, Ma. 

Joined the Army NG April 1989, basic training Fort Jackson, SC, AIT Fort Lee, VA in water purification 77W MOS. 

Honorable discharge March 4,1991. Moved to Vermont 1993 with her son Andrew. 

Alison currently serves the residents of Westminster Vermont as their Town..

The American Legion College begins its first year. Department of Vermont sends first student, to represent them.

Thirty students from across the Nation came together in Indianapolis, Indiana, home of the National Headquarters.

5 Days of intensive study of Legion History, programs development, revitalization and Development of posts. Constitution and Bylaws and Resolution writing.

Students were tasked daily to  problem solve typical post challenges with National officers and staff as teachers and supporters. National Commander Harold “Butch” Miller..

US Army veteran.

First Father and Daughter Department Commanders in the Nation!! Linda, grew up hearing the story of her fathers tragic cerebral aneurysm. She also realized early in life that The American Legion family was truly a support system for her family. The members, not only saved her fathers life, but, they saved the family with kindness and support. 

Upon her return from the US Army, medical corps, she joined The American Legion. Initially, it was to spend..

Born Nov 30, 1939; Home of Record date of entry Wilmore, PA. 

Last duty assignment USS Durham LKA-114, New Orleans, Louisiana. Date of rank: 4/16/1968 E6. 

United States Navy veteran 21 years, 5 months and 4 Days. 

Post Commander 2003-2005.

Post #37 is proud to announce the election of, Linda Mclean Perham ,as National Vice Commander to serve The American Legion throughout the Northeastern Region. National Commander Thomas Cadmus from the Department of Michigan will have five National Vice Commander throughout the Nation. Nomination speech renedered for Linda, was Past Post Commander Terrence Griffin, in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Linda's highlights throughout the year:

Representing National Commander Cadmus at the Coast Guard Academy and the Military Academy at West..

Born: Sept 6, 1971 North Walpole,NH 

Enlistment June 22, 1989 -June 21, 1993 Last duty assignment USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

Aviation Ordnance Class A School 10.5 weeks. 

Rank on D/C E4

Post Commander 2005-2007. Post Historian 2017, Post Scholarship Chairman 2009 to present. Post SAL advisor 2018. 

Windham County Commander 

Department Scholarship Committee

US Navy veteran graduates from The American Legion College

Robert Lockerby coach, Richard Forbush Manager, Rusty Williams & Adam Kuhn and Bill Lockerby assistant coaches. 

Lead a team of talented young men to a successful season. It was the philosophy of Post #37 that winning wasn’t as important as the values of leadership, sportsmanship and dedication to team effort. These young men were examples of the best in all aspects. 

Born: October 27, 1940 in New Britain, CT; 

US Coast Guard Veteran July 22, 1960- Jan 12, 1968. E2 Date of rank April 27, 1960. 3rd Coast Guard District. NY

Post Commander 2007-2009

Windham County Commander

Dept. Sgt at Arms for Department Commander Richard Farmer. 

Brigadier General, USAF, age 76, passed on Oct. 14th, 2007, near his home in Bulverde, TX. He was born Aug. 19, 1931, in Bellows Falls, VT to Ervin and Blanche Balch. He graduated with a BS from the University of Vermont. In 1965 he earned a law degree from New England School of Law. BG Balch received his commission and pilot wings at Goodfellow..

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The plaque is awarded to the Department designated to lead the National Convention parade for their 100% membership and number one in the Nation. 

From left to right: National Commander Clarence Hill, Past Department Commander Royal Sheeley, Robert Perham from Post 37 and Dept Adjutant, Mark Avis, National Vice Commander, Ed Brown Dept. Commander and Dale Barnett National Membership Chairman (National Commander in 2015). 

Born: Sept 15, 1947 Middlebury, VT; Home of Record Ludlow, VT

Inducted 12/16/1966-12/7/1968 Rank on D/C Sp5. 

US Army Vietnam veteran. Served as combat medic. 91B20. HQ 4/12 199 INF BDE.

Awards: National defense service medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Medical Badge. 

Born:                  Bellows Falls, VT 

US Army veteran: Enlisted Nov 29,1963, Ft Monmouth, NJ Feb- July 64. Sp5 (T), as of June 15,1966. Stationed at Fort Richie, MD. 32C20 FX Sta Trans Repairman. 

Awards: Expert Badge: carbine, Marksman M-1, Good Conduct, National Defense Service Medal. 

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Served as Post Commander 2001-2017. First Commander to serve for 5 continuous years. 

Honorary Life Membership presented 2018 for his true commitment to American Legion principles. 

Windham..

Robert Perham served as the Department of Vermont adjutant from 2001-20014. Mentoring all Dept. Commanders, officers and performing all administrative duties for 13 years. Upon his retirement a resolution was unanimously approved to name him Past Department Commander with all rights and privileges of the office. His dedication and attention to promoting the principles of the American Legion was a honor.

Past Post Commanders Alison Bigwood and Linda Mclean-Perham, joined together to honor the Past Commanders of the post. 

The original pictures were different sizes, tattered and some cracked and torn. They were all different sizes, some in color and some in black and white. It was not uniform, as the military would have wanted. 

To honor the commitment of our Past and Future Commanders, all pictures were photoshopped and retouched and placed in 5X7 uniform frames, along..

Lt. Gen. Todd Semonite was named on May 19, 2016 to lead the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which is responsible for flood control in the United States and building projects for the