The All-Women's Post, 539 of the American Legion in Green Bay, Wisconsin; was named for the first woman service member from the area to die in the service of her country.
Madelyn Barrette LaCanne, born 25 July 1912, the daughter of Mr and Mrs Jules Barrette of Green Bay. On 31 September 1931 Madelyn married Ellsworth LaCanne. Madelyn enlisted in the US Army's, Women's Army Corps (WACs) on 5 April 1943 out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Basic training was accomplished at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. Upon completion of Basic training she was transferred to Ellington Filed, Texas and assigned to the 788th Headquarters of the Women's Army Corps.
It was at Ellington Field, during a hurricane, that she was hurled against a building while seeking shelter from the storm. Madelyn sustained a brain hemorrhage and died 8 August 1943.
A fellow WAC, Fern LeMere, later a member of the Madelyn LaCanne Post, escorted the body to Green Bay and with members of the Wisconsin State Guard, Company "H", served as a pallbearer. The funeral was held at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church and interment in the Allouez Catholic Cemetary in Green Bay.
