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The Generals Ward and Chennault
and Lt. Helseth Post of the American Legion, DBA: China Post #1,
has been operating in exile from its home in Shanghai, China since
1948 and is at present administratively attached to the American
Legion Department of New York. China Post #1 is incorporated as
an American Legion Post in the State of Texas as an IRS code 501
( c ) (19) tax exempt corporation. China Post #1 was formed in Shanghai,
China in 1919 and went into exile in 1938 when Japanese forces overran
Shanghai preceding the official entry of the United States into
WW II. The Post reopened in 1945 in Shanghai after the defeat of
Japan, but was forced into exile again when Communist forces took
control of Shanghai in 1948 and confiscated the Post Home, "The
American Club" and its property. China Post #1 is unique among the
kinds of Posts within the American Legion. The Post has within its
membership an Auxiliary of the Legion and a Sons of the American
Legion Squadron.
The unique quality of China
Post #1 is reflected in the character of its membership. In addition
to meeting the qualifications established by the National Constitution
of the American Legion and the eligibility incorporated therein
by Acts of Congress, China Post #1 members are usually further distinguished
by the character of their service. Post members generally have had
a significant career in active service, a meritorious period of
duty or of acts while in service, or they have civilian careers
or professions after honorable service working in, or in support
of operations in the international community. All applications for
membership must be made on the China Post #1 application form and
they must have a current member as a sponsor. Transfers of memberships
are only accepted on an individual basis and cannot be assigned
from any source. Any membership request must be made through the
China Post #1 Adjutants office on the Post's application form or
through a current member.
The American Legion was incorporated
by an Act of the Congress of the United States of America. Its members
have served honorably during a period of war or hostilities as defined
by this Act and further Acts as adopted by Congress and as these
Acts have amended the American Legion Constitution and By-Laws.
It is a civilian organization grouped by Departments and these in
turn into Posts. Its purposes as defined in the Preamble of the
Official American Legion National Constitution are to defend the
Constitution of the United States; maintain law and order; foster
and perpetuate Americanism; inculcate a sense of individual obligation
to the Community, State and Nation; and too preserve the memories
and incidents of our associations during our periods of service.
Furthermore, within these broad guidelines, to fulfill our responsibilities
to our fellow veterans, their families, widows, children, the children
of the community and the community itself.
This web page is for the
dissemination of information to China Post #1 members, other Legion
members and the general public. Views or opinions expressed on this
page may be censored and may not always reflect the views, opinions
or endorsement of China Post #1. The official publication of the
Post is "The Poop Sheet" which may be delivered to members by regular
post, E-mail or posted on this web page. The "Members Only" section
is intended for the distribution of information to current active
members. The "Guest Book" and other communications may be censored
for brevity or because of the sensitive nature and censorship requirements
of countries and locations where our members are resident.
Fred Platt - Adjutant
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