The Story of the American Legion: The Birth of the Legion

The author recounts how returning service members spontaneously created and then formally organized a national veterans' association, describing the Paris and domestic caucuses, the advance committees, and the drafting of a constitution. The narrative blends meeting reports and administrative detail with discussion of the association's declared aims—emphasis on Americanism, civic obligation, mutual helpfulness—alongside practical initiatives such as reemployment efforts, legal assistance for claims, and stances toward radical movements. Additional chapters address contentious topics like conscientious objectors and public perception, and the book closes with the constitution, resolutions, committee rosters, and factual appendices.