The New York herald., 1921-06-15
EMERY MADE HEAD
OF AMERICAN LEGION
Major, Who Was Vice-Presi-
dent, Succeeds Col. Galbraith,
Killed i'm Accident.

INpIANAPoLIs June 14.-John G.. EN-
cry OF Grand Rapids was unanimously
elected national commander or the
American Legion by the national execu-
tive committee to-day.
He succeeded Col Frederick w. Gal
braitn, Jr, who was killed in an automo-
bile accident here Thursday.
Thomas j. Bannigan Of Hartford was
elected vice-commander, succeeding Mr..
Emery in that position. The other can
didate for the place was William Q.
Setlffe of Chicago.
In his first statement as head or
the organization. issued here tonight.
Mr. Emery said
IF / were asked to state in a .ew
words what I believe to be the great
est service the American Legion has
rendered our country | would say that
1t has been the carrying out by the le-
gion OF the mandate of its constitution,
which has instilled in the hearts or
former service men and women sense
of individual obligation TO community,
State and nation.
with the national relaxation from our
tremendous war efforts there came
real danger from an excess OF interest
In private and personal affairs and a
corresponding diminution OF interest in
citizen. The first aim of the Ameri-
can Legion was to meet this danger by
rekndlIng and continuing the citizen
interest in his community, his State and
his country.
THE American Legion will continue
its fight for the wounded and disabled
until every man who gave his health
and strength in the service of his cour-
try is adequately and generously pro-
vided for. The claims OF these men
have precedence over all other consid-
erations of the American Legion.
With the legislation basically neces-
sary for the relief of the physically dis
abled passed by Congress, the American
Legion will address it's full energies to
the task of helping those financially dis
abled by reason of their military or
naval service. The adjusted compensa-
ton bill now before the Congress repre-
resents the payment Of just and ac-
knowledged obligation the country owes
to those who have served it, 1t is
debt acknowledged by the people wher-
ever the matter has been the subject or
popular vote 1t is a debt the American
Legion, with every resource at It's COM
mand. will work TO have repaid by ac-
ton of the present Congress"
Garfield Emery, named commander OF
the American Legion to succeed Col.
Galbraith. saw much of the fighting in
which the American trops participated
in the world war
Major Emery entered the second Of
ficers' training camp at Fort Sheridan
August 27, 1917. After finishing the
course he was commissioned a captain
of infantry and sent to France with the
first group of Americans He was as
signed at once to the railway transporta-
tion Office at Blois. France, and remained
there until February 20. 1918. Later
he attended the first corps school at
Gondrecourt until March "a when he
took charge of Company F, Eighteenth
Infantry, First Brigade. First Division.
He participated in all the major ac-
tions with his regiment in 1918, at Can
tigny In April, May and June; at ST.
Mihie in September, and in the Meuse-
Argonne offensive in September and Oc-
tober He was commissioned major
Of infantry August 80. 1918.
On October 2, 1918, in the Meuse-Ar-
gonne drive Major Emery was wounded
in the left arm and was invalided home
being discharged at Camp Custer.