The post is named for Monmouth Junction native and Army Air Force World War II pilot John Farnkopf. John Farnkopf was born in Monmouth Junction, NJ, on June 27, 1923, and lived there for most of his life in a duplex on Major Rd, owned by his grandfather. John graduated from Dayton Grammar School, and attended Middlesex County Vocational School to learn the electrical trade. After four years of schooling he received his diploma and went to work for Personal Products in Milltown as an electrician. Following the outbreak of World War II in 1942, John joined the Army in January 1943. He joined the Army Air Force and was sent to Butler University, Indiana. After transitional training at different schools and airfields, he graduated as a second lieutenant from Foster Field, Victoria, Texas. He was then sent to Richmond, Virginia’s Norfolk Airfield for P47 Fighter training. On November 11, 1944, on a return escort mission from Brux, Czechoslovakia, John’s mission leader lost radio contact with John. He was declared missing-in-action. A few days after, a telegram was sent to Pop Farnkopf informing him of John’s status. The bad news fell upon the shoulders of his mother and sister, Florence, because Pop had died of a heart attack on November 12. John’s remains were found in the Ausbach region of the Austrian Alps by three Austrian Nationals in 1953. John’s status was changed from MIA to officially declared killed-in-action and the facts about where he was shot down amended. John’s remains were sent home at his mother’s request, and burial and services were held at the family plot in the Dayton Cemetery in July 1954, with American Legion Post 401 taking part in the service. The Farnkopf Family donated the property on Major Road for the American Legion Post that bears the name of this fallen hero. The members of Post 401 not only thank the Farnkopf family, but honor the memory of their son, Lieutenant John Farnkopf, who so valiantly gave his life in defense of his country.

Martin T. Monroe went on to be elected Department of New Jersey Commander. Gary Cooper served as Department Historian 2015-2016, and serves as Middlesex County Commander 2016 - 2018. Dorsey Trent served as Middlesex County Commander.