POST HISTORY
Under the guidance of La Grange Post No. 41, 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, 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 LaGrange to lose his life for his country. In recognition of his outstanding service to his country, and in his honor, the 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 colors were presented to the Post by Mr. and Mrs. Coulter at this meeting. JOIN US AND KEEP THIS HISTORY ALIVE.
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