LESTER SMITH
AMERICAN LEGION POST 515, INC
DOUGLAS, GEORGIA
Lester Smith, American Legion Post 515, was founded in 1948. It was founded by Jasper T. (JAP) McClean; he also served as the first commander. The Post was named after PFC Lester Smith, the first African American from Douglas, (Coffee County) GA, to be killed during World War II. American Legion Post 515 is rich in history, but lacking documentation of events before the 2008 -2009 Legion Year. Research is still being conducted to publish more historical events and accomplishments.
Post 515’s Charter was applied for Nov. 25, 1946, certified by Ward Whelchel, who was commander of Post 18 Douglas, GA. The charter was approved May 7, 1948. The 20 members were copied from the original charter application filed by Post 515’s Charter members requesting permanent charter. The original letter is on file at the American Legion National Headquarters, Indianapolis, Ind. Wartime Era for Charter Members was provided by members of Post 515.
Listed below are the Post 515 Charter Members and their Wartime Era. Many of these members’ graves have been identified and marked to signify their membership in Post 515 and to indicate they are Charter Members.
Name War Era
Jasper T, McLean WWI
Pearl O.Neal WWI
Dorsey Eason WWI
John H. Quo WWI
Norman Greene WWI
Henderson M. Speight WWI
Armenis Newkirk WWI
Hayward Williamson WWI
James Williamson WWI
David Cutno WWI
Matt Cutno WWI
Walter Paulk WWII
George H. Barner WWII
George Speights WWII
Willard L. Williamson WWII
Henry Vickers WWII
Alvin Phillips WWII
Homer Lee Killens WWII
Roosevelt Finkley WWII
George Shields WWII
The photo attached reflects eight (8) of the Past Commanders who was present at the 2017 - 2018 Commanders Ball (Willie Williams, James Gleover, Oscar Paulk, David Brewton, James Brown, Richard Graham, Jerome Loving, Louis Duncan and Alfalene Walker. Many of thes Commanders served numerous terms and consegative years. Alfalene Walker is the first and only female Comander to date. She was elected Commander 67 years after tthe Post Charter was granted and served two consegative years 2015 -2016 and 2016 - 2017 Legion Year and again the 2018 - 2019 Legion Year.
