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C.R. SIMMONS - C.G. HARDWICKE JR POST 29

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Post History

First Post Meeting

 

A mass meeting of 200 Grayson County men and women who served in the military, naval or marine service of the United States in the World War between April 5, 1917 and November 11, 1918, was held in the Grayson County Courthouse on Wednesday, June 4, 1919. The purpose of this meeting was to organize a local Post of The American Legion. All present were asked to bring their discharge papers. The meeting was called to order by Abner L. Lewis, a well known attorney from Denison. John T. Wakefield, Captain of Battery E, 133rd Artillery, a well known businessman in Sherman, was elected temporary chairman

The veterans present selected "Grayson County Memorial Post No. 29 of The American Legion" as the name of their organization. They elected unanimously, Fred L. Perkins of Sherman as the new Post Commander. Mr. Perkins, a Battery Clerk of Battery E, 133rd Field Artillery, with rank of Sergeant, saw overseas service and is employed with the Frisco Railroad.

 

Temporary Charter

 

A temporary charter for Grayson County Memorial Post No. 29, The American Legion, was issued on August 18, 1919. There were 46 Charter Members on the original charter.

 

Permanent Post Name

 

At a Post meeting on Thursday, March 11, 1920, the permanent name of Post 29 was changed to Charles Ray Simmons Post No. 29, honoring the memory of the first Sherman man killed in France. Corporal Charles Ray Simmons was the son of Charles C. Simmons from Sherman. He enlisted in February, 1917 and went to France as a member of the 28th Infantry, Rainbow Division. He died May 22, 1918, as a result of a hand grenade.

 

Permanent Charter

 

The permanent charter for Charles Ray Simmons Post 29 was issued on September 9, 1920.

 

Post Name Changed

 

The Post name was changed on November 7, 1947, to C. R. Simmons-C. G. Hardwicke, Jr. Post No. 29, honoring the first soldier from Sherman killed in WWII. 1st Lt. Clifford G. Hardwicke, Jr., a Calvary Officer, was killed on Bataan, Philippines, on January 17, 1942. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart posthumously.

Ground breaking for Post Home

 

Post 29 has been located at several different locations since it was chartered in 1919. The first few years of its existence, the Post met in the Courthouse or in a meeting hall near the Courthouse. The first Post home was the old Sons of Herman Hall on the south side of the Courthouse square. It was bought and paid for by donations of members and local citizens. In the 40's the Post owned a building at 223 North Walnut Street. Then in 1953 the Post raised money and secured a loan to build its permanent Post Home, at 230 East Sycamore Street. The ground breaking ceremony was held on Wednesday, August 20, 1953. The Post sold this Building in 2016 due to the closing of the bar in the building. 

Post 29 Airplane

 

In early 1963, Perrin AFB presented to Post 29 a F-86L Sabre Jet. The airplane was erected on a pedestal in front of the Legion Post Home. The Post is responsible for the maintenance and up keep of the airplane and must report to the Air Force on its condition every year. The Post maintained the airplane until late 2008 when the Post Home closed and the airplane was given to the Perrin Municipal Airport (old Perrin AFB). Today the airplane is located at the entrance to Perrin field pointed up towards the sky.

Post Commander

 

A total of 53 men have been Commanders of Post 29, but on July 1st, 2013 a Lady Legionnaire became the first Women Post 29 Commander.

Mary Ruth Brice, a Retired Master Sgt. E-8, Army Nurse became the first elected Post 29 Commander. As of 2015 she is still Post Commander.

 

Affiliated Organizations

Auxiliary Unit No. 29

 

The Auxiliary Unit of Post 29 was first organized in 1928, but it only lasted until 1935 when the charter was cancelled. The Unit was reorganized in 1943 and the permanent charter was given on November 8, 1947. The Unit has been a necessary asset and part of The American Legion family since its reorganization.

 

Sons of The American Legion Chapter

 

Another part of Post 29 family is The Sons of The American Legion. Squadron 29 was chartered on June 2, 1993. Today Squadron 29 is one of 13 squadrons in the 4th District of Texas.

 

 

 

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