This story is about Leon Merle Alcock, a founding member of James O. Hall Post 19 of the American Legion, Department of Louisiana. He signed the Application for Post of American Legion on September 24, 1919. The Application was approved on October 10, 1919, which is considered the founding day of the Post.
Leon was born October 7, 1896. He enlisted in the U. S. Army on March 13, 1918 at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, LA. On June 23, 1918 he deployed to France to join the American Expeditionary Forces under the Command of General John J. Pershing. Leon served as an infantryman during World War I. When hostilities ended on November 11, 1918 he stayed in France and finally returned to the United States on June 29, 1919. He was discharged from active service at Camp Pike, Arkansas on July 17, 1919.
After his active service in the U. S. Army Leon joined the Louisiana National Guard and became a member of Troop F, 108th Calvary from Jennings, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He was discharged from the National Guard on August 2, 1922.
He married Arizona Noel Alcock and they have 9 children: Leonabelle, Constance, Marguerite, Elaine, Shirley, Gene, Betty, Lucy Ann, and Richard. During his work career Leon was employed as a Clerk, a Louisiana State Trooper and a Warehouseman at Lake Charles Air Force Base. Leon died on February 16, 1994 and he is interred at Greenwood Cemetary in Jennings, LA. Leon’s son and daughter-in-law, Gene and Nanette Alcock, reside in Jennings.
