Legionnaire recognized for 70 years of membership

Legionnaire recognized for 70 years of membership

At the March meeting of James O. Hall Post 19 of The American Legion, Department of Louisiana, Allen Medus (pictured) was awarded a certificate from National Headquarters for 70 years of continuous membership in this patriotic organization. Allen is a United States Marine Corps veteran of the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II who participated in 3 major campaigns: Guadalcanal, Tarawa and Saipan. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his service during the war.

Upon returning home to Jennings, La., he attended college, became a certified public accountant and worked for Jeff Davis Bank in Jennings until his retirement. He was one of the founding members of the Jennings American Legion Hospital, and has been involved with the hospital’s Board of Directors for 64 years and has served as Secretary of the Board for the last 43. He retired from the board on March 1, 2016.

Today, the Jennings American Legion Hospital is the only American Legion hospital in the country that is owned and operated by a Legion post. Of the 17 board members who provide oversight of hospital operations, nine come from Post 19. Allen is a past post commander of Post 19 and a past state-level winner of the M.C. “Mike” Gehr Blue Cap Award as the outstanding Legionnaire in the state of Louisiana among Legionnaires who have never served in elective office above post level. He has truly been an outstanding member of The American Legion.