American Legion History
The American Legion of Ocheyedan was
organized December 19, 1919. It was named Guy Wood Post No. 326
after the first casualty of World War I. Fifteen members signed
the charter. They were: Chet Power, C.L. Weaver, Orr B. McGowan,
Hugh Stevens, Harry J. Houstman, Arthur G. Woodworth, Burr Kirby,
Albert F. Sehr, Leon Moore, Purl Butson, Oscar C. Rocklage, Eber
H. Brown, J.M. Butterfield, Henry E. Wallace, and Ben Nutting.
The community of Ocheyedan and surrounding
area were well represented in World War II. Approximately 150
young men were in the various branches of the armed forces. There
were four young women who served in the Nurses Corps and WAVES. A
few of the young men continued to make the service a life career.
The American Legion Post changed its name on
May 21, 1947, to Wood-Miller Post No. 326. This was to honor the
first man to die in each World War. Walter A. Miller was the
first to lose his life in World War II.
The Korean Conflict of the 1950’s and
the Vietnam War of the 1960’s also called Ocheyedan area
citizens to service.
In 1984, the Avenue of Flags was first
displayed at the Ocheyedan Cemetery. Lawrence Dirks was
commander. They started with 42 flags, and at present have 103.
The American Legion also regularly sends a
boy to Boys State in Des Moines. This program stresses good
citizenship, and the workings of our State Government.
Present Post Officers are:
Commander, Mike Kleve
Adjutant, Howard Radunz
Sargent at Arms, Bob Pedley
Chaplain, Louis Dekkinga
Gold Star Honor Roll for World War I:<
Guy
Wood, Elmer Roos, Bruce I. Smalley, and Gerritt VanPuersem.
World War II:
Walter A. Miller, Alvin L.
Dirks, Lewis J. Fousek, Donald Kearney, Melvin Mortvedt, Wesley
Thomas, and LeRoy Woods
From History of Ocheyedan 1891-1991
Osceola County Iowa Genealogy - The IAGenWeb Project