on January 9, 1946 New London American Legion Post #537 was officially organized at a meeting held at the city council chamber room with 42 men signing the charter. The post was named for Sgt. Robert E. Ihlang who was killed in action in Italy durring wwII. The first officers elected August 28 after the post received it;s charter from National headquarters were: Victor Suneson,Commander; Eric Anderson, 1st Vice-Commander: Lester B. Harstad, 2nd Vice-Commander Ragnar A. Moline, Finance officer: Reuben E. Skeie, Service officer: Historian O.A.Nelson: Allen Dilley, Sargent At-Arms & Leslie H. Bennett, Adjutant.