Private Herman R. Granados ... grew up in La Quinta, CA.  He joined the Army Air Corps in April of 1941, underwent basic training in New York and three months later received his first Post to the Headquarters Squadron, 20th Air Base Group, Nichols Field, Manila, Philippines.  Herman was declared Missing in Action when the Japanese bombed the airfield on Dec. 8th, 1941.  At the age of 21, he became the first casualty of the Pacific Theater from California's Coachella Valley.  Yet, his memory is carried on when, in 1947, Indio’s American Legion Post 739 was named in his honor.  

American Legion Post 739 was first founded in 1947 by WWI and WWII veterans.  The original building was first movied from Thermal in 1947 to its present location.  It was called the Veterans Center.  It was originally owned by four groups: Amierican Legion Posts 739 and 422, VFW Post 3699 and the Disabled American Veterans.  It was also used by the National Guard.  Around 1950, Post 739 secured sole ownership of the building.  The original Veterans Center burned to the ground around 1962.  The present building began construction the following year and was completed in 1964.

On March 27, 1964, former General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower attended the dedication of ther Herman Granados American Legion Post Hall in Indio.   In attendance was Mrs. Juanita Rodate, mother of Herman for whom the Post is named.