Margaret Johnson

JOHNSON, SHOUSE, PADDOCK, ROBINSON, MOHR, MCELROY, BERTSCH

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 10/24/2011 at 15:22:56

Maquoketa Community Press, July 20, 1954

First Woman American Legion Commander

Margaret Johnson of Sabula was elected Commander of the Sabula American Legion Post 74. Mrs. Johnson may have the distinction of being the first woman in Iowa to be elected a Legion Post Commander.

Mrs. Johnson, wife of Julius Johnson, served in SPARS, women’s branch of the United States Coast Guard, for six months in 1943. Her husband, also a serviceman and a veteran, served in the United States Army in Panama for three years.

Craig E. Shouse was named Vice-Commander and Marvin Paddock Second Vice-Commander. Others chosen include Bruce E. Hale, Adjutant and Service Officer; Vic Robinson, Finance Officer; F. J. Mohr, Historian; Ross McElroy, Sergeant-At-Arms; and A. P. Bertsch, Chaplain.