The Karlstad American Legion Post No. 0445 was named for Elwood Monroe Swenson, the first local veteran who was killed during a heavy aerial bombardment at Fort Mills, Philippine Islands, on Dec. 29, 1941.
The first regular meeting was held on Oct.5, 1943. Charter members were: Fred Turnwall, Alvin Turnwall, Julius Carlson, Albert Nordin, Ralph VanDeusen, Alfred Peterson, Otto Pearson,Herman Lindberg, Art Warnes, S.W. Hodne, Walter Hams, Walter Johnson, James Duhek, Harry Brekke, and Axel Paulson.
