HISTORY
The American Legion, Department of Illinois, preliminary meetings were held in January and February 1944 with a view to forming a new post of the American Legion whose membership would consist of veterans of World War II. At the beginning, there were about a dozen veterans around, but under the able leadership of Comrade James M. Lange, our first Commander, enough qualified veterans were contacted and interested in forming the nucleus of the new post. The goal of the requisite minimum number of members (15) having been attained, a temporary charter was applied for in March 1944.
The name of the post was selected as a tribute to an important resident, a member of the U. S. Army Air Force, Major Robert E. Coulter, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Coulter of 539 North Waiola Avenue, La Grange Park, Il, who died in action over North Africa early in 1943. Major Coulter had completed many successful missions early in the Allied offensive over Europe from his base in England. At the time of his death, Major Coulter was pilot of a Flying Fortress; he was one of the very first residents of the La Grange area to give his life for his country. In recognition of his outstanding service to his country, and in his honor, the La Grange Post was dedicated. At the time the name of the Post was chosen, the Department was requested to grant the number 1941, which was considered appropriate as it commemorated the year in which the United States entered the war.
At the February 28, 1944 meeting James Lange was elected temporary chairman, Gerhard Russell temporary adjutant, William LaRue temporary finance officer and membership chairman. Formal installation of the post officers for the first actual year of operation took place in May 1944, with Comrade Lange as the first Commander. The Post was officially named, the Robert E. Coulter, Jr., American Legion Post 1941.
Today a plaque describing Coulter’s final mission stands outside the entry doors to the Post.
POST OFFICERS / EC MEMBERS
(Address Communication via email to ‘post1941@sbcglobal.net’ or call 708-354-3300)
TITLE NAME
Commander Mike Maher
Senior Vice Commander Williiam Kiddon
Junior Vice Commander Frank Kresica
Chaplain Ray Hodson
Service Officer Chuck Bosco
SGT-AT-Arms Chris Plybon
Adjutant Albert. Krenz
BLDG. Trustee William Manders
Finance Officer Charles Anderson
EC Member Chris Orozco
EC Member Rich Matkovich
EC Member Steve Jasinski
EC Member Jason Coclanes
Sons of the American Legion William Manders
Bar/Rental Business Manager Williiam Kiddon