The Ida Grove,Iowa, American Legion  Leo P. McNamara Post #61 was formed on Feb. 16, 1919 as a temporary organization seeking an American Legion national charter. Lt. McNamra, born on Sept. 24, 1895, was a Gold Star hero, killed in action by high explosives while leading his platoon in action in the Meuse-Argonne offensive on Oct. 16, 1918. He was buried near the spot where he fell; his remains were later moved to the Romagne Cemetery in France. He was the first Ida Grove serviceman killed in action during World War I. The Post was later renamed McNamara-Moore, including the name of Chief Petty Officer Lance Moore, on Nov. 18, 1946. Born on Oct. 11, 1905, Moore joined the Navy in 1924 and was still in at the outbreak of World War II. He was assigned as a bombardier when his the plane he was on in the area of the Solomon Islands -- Pacific war zone -- was shot down in October 1942. His body was never recovered. Moore was the first Ida Grove serviceman killed in action during WWII.

CHARTER members were: Bruce R. Clark, William R. Erhp, J. Ray Murphy, Henry A. Paulson, Bruce M. Snell, George S. Easton, Joseph Rees, Floyd R. Maxwell, William Lindsay, William E. Suiter, C.W. Gemmill, Paul J. Curry, A. Raymon Miller, Thomas Copps, Stanlet J. Mead, J.A. Nye, W.H. O'Brien, A.R. Krick, Elwood B. Matlack, Ray G. Walter, Roy C. Noll and Charles J. Staphos. OTHER NOTABLES: Howard Everett Hughes, former Governor of Iowa, U.S. Senator; Bruce Snell, Iowa Supreme Court Justice; Lt. Gen. Susan B. Lawrence, retired, Army Chief Information Officer (G-6) and is a PUFL member; J. Ray Murphy, an American Legion National Commander.

Post #61 uniqueness is tied to its commitment to service to the community. Recipient of numerous donations and support from community corporations, individuals and leaders it operates a public RV campground; cares for an Avenue of Flags (400-plus); built and cares for the Ida County Veterans Memorial which includes military equipment representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines (the latter including a towed float, scale replica of the famed Iwo Jima flag raising that has been in events in Hawaii and numerous states); a fishing pound; and a Skate Palace (operated by a Post board of directors).