Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1948-08-06
D. {. Legion 10 Settle
Two-Way Contest for
Commander Tonight

Rivalry for nomination as COM
mander of the American Legion's
District Department will come tc
head tonight at the 3Oth annual
convention at the Hotel Statler.
The contest has narrowed to
David E. Kisliuk, department adju-
tant, member of Vincent B. Co.'S
tello Post, and Gerald Ryan of the
Department of Commerce Post.
In addition to department officers
delegates and alternates to the 30th
national convention to be held in
Miami in October will be nomi-
mated. James F. ONeil, national
commander, will be the principal
speaker.
The principal speaker at the
opening session last night was Rear
Admiral Edward C. Even, Navy
chief of public relations. who de-
clared that the unification of the
armed forces is working satisfac-
torily. He lauded the part the
American Legion played in the
Naval Reserve air program. He
said that the Navy was the greatest
instrument for peace and warned
that the economic life of this
country depends on control of the
seas.
Memorial Services Held.
Memorial services were conducted
by the Fort Stevens Post ritua
team, presided over by Joseph A
Walker, ST., with tributes paid tt
Gen. Pershing and other departed
veterans by the Rev. William B
Adams, chaplain of Clark V. Polling
Post. Motion pictures of Gen
Pershing's funeral were shown.
Attorney General Clark and Ar
thur E. Flemming retiring chairman
of the Civil Service Commission
made short addresses, following thu
presentation of citations to them by
Hampton D. Percy, chairman of the
Trophies and Awards Committee
Mr.. Clark commended the Legion
for aiding the rehabilitation of boy:
at the National Training School
Also receiving citations were Harolo
Hagstrom, superintendent of the
National Training School; T. A. M
Craven. manager of radio station
VOL; Capt. Albert L. Bullock, 18th
police precinct, and Henry L
Schmidt for his visits to veterans ir
Mount Alto Hospital during the last
30 years.
Miss Margaret M. Hammer, 6
member of Sergt. Jasper Unit
American Legion Auxiliary, was
presented plaque for 80 years Of
service at Mount Alto Hospital with
the Veterans Administration anc
distinguished service to the District
Department of the Legion.
A gold medal was to have been
presented to Gen. Frank T. Hines
for % years as administrator OF
veterans affairs, but he had de-
parted for California before the
convention.
Commander Welcomes Delegates.
The convention was called tc
order by Ben Aronsohn, convention
chairman and the address of wei.
come was delivered by Owen c
Holleran, department commander
The colors were advanced by the
National Guard of Honor and later
in the evening were presented with
medals by Maj. Gen. H. r. Gay
commanding general, military dis
trict of Washington, who COM
manded the members for their CO.
operation with the War Department
during the year. The Navy Bano
Orchestra, under the direction OF
1t. Comdr. Charles Brendler, played
The invocation was given by Maj
Henry Tavel. Army chaplain.
Among prominent legionnaires
presented were Past National
Comdr. Paul H. Griffith, Past Ma
tional Vice Comdr. Fred johnson
Lemuel Bolles, first national adJu-
tant of the Legion, Perry Brown oil
Texas, leading candidate foS next
commander. A set of post colors
was presented to the Interior De-
partment Post by Maston White
Interior Department solicitor. They
we're accepted by Fred M. Frettei
for the post.
The business session included the
reports of the Rules and Credentials
Committees and the seating of dele
gates. Greetings were extended by
Mrs. May c. Hilleary, president
American Legion Auxiliary; Geralc
Lawler, grand chef de gare, Voiture
174, Forty and Eight Society, anc
Mrs. Eva. B. Carrico, LIE Chapeau
Departementale Forty and Eight.
Two District Area Men
Named to Nj. T.. Faculty