Post 44 Ridgefield, Washington
Post 44
Ridgefield, Washington
About This Post
Post Namesake
Wells Armstrong, First Ridgefield resident to die in France in WW1.Pvt, USA 1918. First Post 44 named for him in June 1922. Edward L. Layne Commander. Armstrong-Thomas Post No. 44 established in Feb, 1951, Dalton Grove Jr. , Commander. THOMAS added to name to remember George Firman Thomas,S1C, USNR missing in action at sea, Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in Pacific, Nov. 15 , 1944. Sgt David Baker USMC, died of wounds in Viet Nam , 9/18/70 and is remembered
Notable Members
Bruce Crockett, Commander. Bob Ford, Commander Bryan Laycoe, Commander 2015, 2016 Past Commanders Jeff Lightburn, Darren Wertz was the first commander after group of legion brothers became acquainted and decided to get a charter for Ridgefield after 2007.
Al Filla, CDR Post 189 La Center, became close to Ridgefield veterans and suggested a Ridgefield Post.
Original 2007 members came forward to keep Ridgefield July 4th Parade going and their Color Guard began all parades thereafter.
A Rifle Squad for rendering Honors soon formed with rifles shared by La Center Post 189.
What Makes this Post Unique
Ridgefield is small town America. Coming into town reminds you of the boys coming home on the bus after serving. Post 44 is all about our community and giving back. From Ceremonies to the 4th July parade we render honors to Veterans. We place flags up and down streets on flag days. We placed flagpoles in our local cemeteries. We raise funds for local community needs. We preserve veteran memorials
Photos
Cemetery Flagpoles
Harry Stubbs Era Post 44
YOUTH
National Vice Commander visits Ridgefield Post 44
Post 44 Reinstated 2007
Ridgefield Veteran's Memorial Dedicated
Notable Members
USMC SGT David W. Baker killed in Viet Nam
WW1 Monument in Ridgefield
George F. Thomas, Ridgefield sailor, dies in Pacific
Corporal Tubby, Dogs for Defense, Dies in War
Wells Armstrong
HISTORY
1910
Ridgefield Man killed in France
Jul 2, 1918
Wells Armstrong, Pvt, USA, was buried at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France after being killed near there, dying on July 2nd, 1918 from wounds received in action. Wells was 27 and a farmer in Ridgefield, Wa. He registered for the draft in Portland. He entered the US Army and was assigned to the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division with deployment to France in 1918. Germany launched a Spring Offensive near the Marne River in..
Wells Armstrong, Pvt, USA, was buried at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in Belleau, France after being killed near there, dying on July 2nd, 1918 from wounds received in action. Wells was 27 and a farmer in Ridgefield, Wa. He registered for the draft in Portland. He entered the US Army and was assigned to the 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Division with deployment to France in 1918. Germany launched a Spring Offensive near the Marne River in..
1920
Wells Armstrong Post 44 Ridgefield established
Sep 10, 1923
The American Legion begins in Ridgefield. 5 young men from the area died during WW1.
The new Post 44 recognized ,with final honors, the burial of William Wulf at Bethel Cemetery. KIA 1918.
1930
WW1 Monument in Ridgefield
Jun 1, 1930
American Legion and VFW and local citizens created and located the Monument at Ridgefield High School on Pioneer Street. Dedicated to the five young men who died in WW1.Three were returned to Ridgefield for burial.
American Legion and VFW and local citizens created and located the Monument at Ridgefield High School on Pioneer Street. Dedicated to the five young men who died in WW1.Three were returned to Ridgefield for burial.
Post at Ridgefield High
May 1936
The leadership of Post 44 , displaying colors gather at entrance to Ridgefield School on Pioneer Street.
Harry Stubbs with Post Flag., George Thomas left 3rd row. ( George lost his son in Pacific, WW2, USN)
Post 44 Meeting , Ridgefield, Pioneer and Main.
Sep 14, 1938
Installation Meeting above Hardware Store .Chester Bagley, Commander and George Schimelpfenig, Vice.
Installation Meeting above Hardware Store .Chester Bagley, Commander and George Schimelpfenig, Vice.
Harry Stubbs Era Post 44
Aug 17, 1939
21 years of American Legion Existence
21 years of American Legion Existence
1940
Harry Stubbs , 5th District Commander
Sep 12, 1940
This rural mail carrier was big part of post history in 1930s and 1940s
This rural mail carrier was big part of post history in 1930s and 1940s
George F. Thomas, Ridgefield sailor, dies in Pacific
Nov 15, 1942
George Firman Thomas, Seaman 1st Class USNR, was lost at sea when his ship, USS Preston, was sunk in the Battle of Guadalcanal. He enlisted in April 1942. His ship and crew were made ready in Hawaii. He was a Ridgefield High Graduate. His father is George R Thomas, American Legion Post 44. " At 0035 on 15 Nov, 1942 USS Preston was in task force proceeding west between Guadalcanal and Savo Island in search..
George Firman Thomas, Seaman 1st Class USNR, was lost at sea when his ship, USS Preston, was sunk in the Battle of Guadalcanal. He enlisted in April 1942. His ship and crew were made ready in Hawaii. He was a Ridgefield High Graduate. His father is George R Thomas, American Legion Post 44. " At 0035 on 15 Nov, 1942 USS Preston was in task force proceeding west between Guadalcanal and Savo Island in search..
Corporal Tubby, Dogs for Defense, Dies in War
Aug 31, 1944
US Marine Guy Wachtsletter wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Leo Raymond of Ridgefield, Wa. " Now I have to tell you the worst. Tubby was shot and killed the night of August 31. He has to his credit eight japs..he behaved like a true Marine at all times and didn't even whimper when he died. He was shot thru the heart and died instantly. We have buried him in the Marine Cemetery along with the..
US Marine Guy Wachtsletter wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Leo Raymond of Ridgefield, Wa. " Now I have to tell you the worst. Tubby was shot and killed the night of August 31. He has to his credit eight japs..he behaved like a true Marine at all times and didn't even whimper when he died. He was shot thru the heart and died instantly. We have buried him in the Marine Cemetery along with the..
Post 44 and Auxiliary Meeting after WW2
Jun 1, 1948
A proud distinguished group after the war years.
A proud distinguished group after the war years.
1970
USMC SGT David W. Baker killed in Viet Nam
Sep 18, 1970
Sgt. Baker was a squad leader with KILO Company, 3rd Battalion. 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and was on patrol in Quang Nam Province near Da Nang. A Ridgefield graduate, he was 19 when he was gravely wounded by mortar and mine fragments. He was cared for at 95th Evac Hospital in Da Nang from 7/31/70 until his death 9/18/70. His brother Dan of Ridgefield was able to be with him. "I was there..
Sgt. Baker was a squad leader with KILO Company, 3rd Battalion. 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and was on patrol in Quang Nam Province near Da Nang. A Ridgefield graduate, he was 19 when he was gravely wounded by mortar and mine fragments. He was cared for at 95th Evac Hospital in Da Nang from 7/31/70 until his death 9/18/70. His brother Dan of Ridgefield was able to be with him. "I was there..
2000
The American Legion Post 44 Ridgefield is chartered
Nov 15, 2007
17 veterans come together to open Post 44 at Bob's Automotive on Pioneer in Downtown Ridgefield
17 veterans come together to open Post 44 at Bob's Automotive on Pioneer in Downtown Ridgefield
Ridgefield Post No. 44 was given Charter by American Legion National Commander
Jan 20, 2009
The American Legion members residing in Ridgefield , Wa . came together in the years before applying for a Charter
It was granted in 2009. The location was developed in old town Ridgefield on Pioneer Street on grounds of automotive shop.
The original Wells Armstrong Post 44 came to be just after WW1. The name was changed to Wells Thomas Post 44 later in WW2 to recognize the KIA of George Thomas.
When The Post 44 gradually lost..
Veterans Service Office Dedicated
Sep 16, 2009
Ridgefield Post 44, The American Legion , dedicated and opened their Service Office in downtown on Pioneer Street. Commander Jeff Lightburn , Bob Ford and Bruce Crockett , welcome District and Department officers. Mayor Ron Onslow cut the red ribbon. The post is located at Bob's Automotive.
Ridgefield Post 44, The American Legion , dedicated and opened their Service Office in downtown on Pioneer Street. Commander Jeff Lightburn , Bob Ford and Bruce Crockett , welcome District and Department officers. Mayor Ron Onslow cut the red ribbon. The post is located at Bob's Automotive.
2010
American Flags Line Streets of Ridgefield
Jun 1, 2010
American Legion, Post 44 began placement of permanent holes on side of Pioneer and Main Street in Ridgefield. Flags will also go around all 3 turnarounds. Future Flags over I5 overpass and new turnarounds and Pioneer overpass over BN Tracks. 300 to 400 flags. Post 44 will maintain and put flags up on flag days
American Legion, Post 44 began placement of permanent holes on side of Pioneer and Main Street in Ridgefield. Flags will also go around all 3 turnarounds. Future Flags over I5 overpass and new turnarounds and Pioneer overpass over BN Tracks. 300 to 400 flags. Post 44 will maintain and put flags up on flag days
La Center Our Days Twilight Parade Post44 and Post 189.
Jul 2012
La Center Our Days Parade Post 189 and Post44.
Bryan Laycoe, Bruce Crockett, Al Filla,............Leo Plante
Ridgefield Veteran's Memorial Dedicated
Nov 8, 2013
Ridgefield Post 44, The American Legion, Constructed a new Monument to Ridgefield War Dead from all Wars and all Veterans. This replaced small plaques from earlier wars.
Ridgefield Post 44, The American Legion, Constructed a new Monument to Ridgefield War Dead from all Wars and all Veterans. This replaced small plaques from earlier wars.
Ridgefield Cemetery Flagpole Erected by Post 44
Apr 10, 2014
After 100 years, a glorious White Flagpole and American Flag flies over center of Ridgefield Cemetery. Memorial Day Ceremonies will be there. All may pause under flag and remember and reflect. For God, Country, and all Veterans.
After 100 years, a glorious White Flagpole and American Flag flies over center of Ridgefield Cemetery. Memorial Day Ceremonies will be there. All may pause under flag and remember and reflect. For God, Country, and all Veterans.
Bethel Church Flagpole by Post44, American Legion
Sep 13, 2015
Post 44 completed a beautiful glistening white flagpole at Bethel Evangelical Methodist Church on Carty Road. It is located in area of grave For God, Country and all Veterans. of WW1 veteran lost in war. The WW1 Monument was also relocated to this site.
Post 44 completed a beautiful glistening white flagpole at Bethel Evangelical Methodist Church on Carty Road. It is located in area of grave For God, Country and all Veterans. of WW1 veteran lost in war. The WW1 Monument was also relocated to this site.
Flagfole dedicated at Sara Union Cemetery
Nov 11, 2016
American Legion Post 44, Ridgefield, Wa. formally dedicated a new 35 foot flagpole at Sara Cemetery on Veterans day. The new pole was erected by Post members earlier in November to replace a broken pole. Sara Union Cemetery is the site of 4 Civil War Veterans amongst many other Veterans graves. Post Commander Bryan Laycoe and Adjutant Bob Ford headed up the Color Guard and 7 man Rifle Squad. Many of the Sara Families attended,..
American Legion Post 44, Ridgefield, Wa. formally dedicated a new 35 foot flagpole at Sara Cemetery on Veterans day. The new pole was erected by Post members earlier in November to replace a broken pole. Sara Union Cemetery is the site of 4 Civil War Veterans amongst many other Veterans graves. Post Commander Bryan Laycoe and Adjutant Bob Ford headed up the Color Guard and 7 man Rifle Squad. Many of the Sara Families attended,..
