In February, 1919, four Allied Expeditionary Forces officers-of-the-line informally started the Legion while still on active duty in Paris, France. These founders—Col. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., Lt. Col. George S. White, Maj. Eric Fisher Wood, and Lt. Col. William J. ("Wild Bill") Donovan. They sought both to bolster soldier morale during the post-armistice period and to provide an alternative to other veteran's groups being set up in the United States. The Legion received its incorporation from the U.S. Congress on 16 September 1919.
At the onset of every war or military action since World War I (1914–1918), the Legion has persuaded Congress to amend its incorporation to allow veterans of those conflicts to join the Legion. Its membership fluctuated from a low of 610,000 in 1925 to a high of 3,325,000 in 1946, leveling off by 1972 to the 2,800,000 that was sustained through the end of the twentieth century.
If you have served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces during any of the war eras listed below, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving -- you are eligible for membership in The American Legion.
U.S. Merchant Marine eligible only from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
Membership is based on the period of service, not the place of service, an individual does not have to be stationed in a combat zone to be eligible. Members may participate in a low-cost life insurance program and may receive discounts on moving expenses, car, hotel and motel rentals, eye-wear, and prescription drugs. American Legion service officers provide free advice and guidance to veterans who need to deal with the department of veterans affairs (VA) about benefits and other issues.
Visit these websites for additional information:
National American Legion web site.
Wisconsin American Legion web site.
Camp American Legion web site.
At the onset of every war or military action since World War I (1914–1918), the Legion has persuaded Congress to amend its incorporation to allow veterans of those conflicts to join the Legion. Its membership fluctuated from a low of 610,000 in 1925 to a high of 3,325,000 in 1946, leveling off by 1972 to the 2,800,000 that was sustained through the end of the twentieth century.
If you have served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces during any of the war eras listed below, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving -- you are eligible for membership in The American Legion.
- August 2, 1990 to today (Operation Desert Shield/Storm)
- December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990 (Operation Just Cause - Panama)
- August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon/Grenada)
- February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam)
- June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955 (Korea)
- December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 (World War II)
- April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 (World War I)
U.S. Merchant Marine eligible only from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
Membership is based on the period of service, not the place of service, an individual does not have to be stationed in a combat zone to be eligible. Members may participate in a low-cost life insurance program and may receive discounts on moving expenses, car, hotel and motel rentals, eye-wear, and prescription drugs. American Legion service officers provide free advice and guidance to veterans who need to deal with the department of veterans affairs (VA) about benefits and other issues.
Visit these websites for additional information:
National American Legion web site.
Wisconsin American Legion web site.
Camp American Legion web site.