"COL. JOHN G. EMERY SLIGHTLY WOUNDED IN SHOULDER"

FORMER LEGION COMMANDER SHOT BY STENOGRAPHER'S HUSBAND

Grand Rapids, Michigan (JFK+50) On October 22. 1924, the former national commander of the American Legion*, Col. John G. Emery**, "was shot and slightly wounded" in the left shoulder "as he sat in his office here in Grand Rapids."

44 year old Chedell Simpson, husband of the Colonel's stenographer, is being held for the shooting.  

The Evening Star reports "a divorce action is pending" against Mr. Simpson.

*The American Legion is an organization of U.S. war veterans.  Its headquarters are located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

**John G. Emery was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan & served in the 1st Division of the A.E.F. in WWI.  JGE fought on 4 fronts in France, was wounded in the Argonne, & was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross & the Silver Star. He was successful in real estate in Grand Rapids.

SOURCES

"Col. John G. Emery Shot by Husband Of Stenographer," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 22, 1944, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

"John G. Emery," The Hall of Valor Project, www.valor.militarytimes.com/

"Will Succeed Next Time Says Emery," The Hutchinson News Herald, Hutchinson, Kansas, October 3, 1921, www.newspapers.com/

 

 

John G. Emery

Underwood & Underwood Photo

Library of Congress

"UNHAPPY WITH TREATMENT FROM DEMOCRATS & REPUBLICANS"

AMERICAN LEGION TO TAKE GREATER ROLE IN POLITICAL AFFAIRS

San Francisco, California (JFK+50) On October 17, 1923, The Evening Star reports "the American Legion* purposes to take a more important and self-helpful part in political affairs of the country."

The Legionaires, veterans of the armed forces of the United States, are dissatisfied with the treatment they have received from both Democrats & Republicans.

The Legion is in its third day of its national convention being held here in San Francisco.

The Star reports that members of the group are complimentary of their leadership under National Commander Alvin M. Owsley**, but do complain about the lack of "practical aid" provided by the government to soldiers who have "suffered most grievously" from wounds and ill effects of service in the world war. 

*American Legion, founded in Paris in 1919 & now headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a non-profit organization of American veterans.  AL focuses on assisting veterans & promoting patriotism.

**Alvin Mansfield Owsley (1888-1967) was born in Denton, Texas & educated at the University of Texas, Austin & VMI.  AMO served as National Commander of the American Legion 1922-1923 & later as minister to Romania, the Irish Free State & Denmark.

SOURCE

"Legion Political Party Is Foreseen," by L.C. Owen, The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., October 17, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

Emblem of the American Legion

"MOST BEAUTIFUL & TRADITION-HALLOWED BURIAL GROUND"

MEMBERS OF AMERICAN LEGION SAY CONGRESSIONAL FUNDING CUTS REASON FOR UNWORTHY CONDITIONS AT ARLINGTON

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 8, 1923, The Washington Times reports Arlington National Cemetery "is suffering from Congressional penny-pinching according to members of the American Legion*."

The Times describes the National Cemetery as "the most beautiful and tradition-hallowed burial ground...in the United States."

Members of the Legion claim funding cuts by Congress over the past two years have resulted in "conditions unworthy of" our dead heroes."

The War Department has acknowledged a recent loss of funding, but says that "increased funds" will become available on July 1st.

*The American Legion, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, was founded in Paris, France on March 15, 1919.  AL is the largest wartime veteran's service organization in the U.S. It advocates American patriotism.

SOURCE

"Cemetery Poorly Kept,"  The Washington Times, Washington, D.C., May 8, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

 

 

American Legion Emblem

2019

Original: American Legion

Vector:  Wegates

 

"ASKING VETERAN'S BUREAU TO END YOUR WORRIES"

AMERICAN LEGION HAS CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR DISABLED VETS

Chicago, Illinois (JFK+50)  On December 24, 1921, Hanford MacNider, National Commander of the American Legion*, issued the following Christmas message "to the disabled ex-servicemen of America"...

"To you men who are fighting...against the effects of your service...the American Legion...sends Christmas greetings.  Every American shall be indebted to you.

We intend to see that you get a square deal from the country you fought for.

Today, we are asking the U.S. Veteran's Bureau to...end your worries over compensation claims."

*The American Legion, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, was formed on March 15, 1919 in Paris by officers & men of the American Expeditionary Force.  AL was chartered by Congress on Sep 16, 1919. The organization promotes Americanism, community responsibility, peace & good will.

SOURCE

"'Look For Square Deal,'American Legion Xmas Greeting to Disabled," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., December 24, 1921, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/ 

   

 

American Legion Seal

by Wegates

www.wikimedia.org/