Summary
Harry W. Colmery (December 11, 1890 – August 23, 1979) was an American attorney who served as the National Commander of The American Legion from 1936 to 1937.[1] Considered an architect of the G.I. Bill, he was the first past national commander to earn the Legion's Distinguished Service Medal in 1975.[2]
Harry W. Colmery | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Harry Walter Colmery December 11, 1890 |
| Died | August 23, 1979 (aged 88) |
| Resting place | Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka, Kansas, U.S. 39°02′25.2″N 95°44′19.6″W / 39.040333°N 95.738778°W |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Attorney |
| Known for | Principal architect of G.I. Bill |
| Title | National Commander of The American Legion |
| Term | 1936 – 1937 |
| Predecessor | Ray Murphy |
| Successor | Daniel J. Doherty |
| Spouse |
Minerva Harriet Colmery
(m. 1919; died 1956) |
| Children | 3 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1917–1919 |
| Rank |  First Lieutenant |
| Unit | Air Service |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  World War I Victory Medal |
Early life and education edit
Born in North Braddock, Pennsylvania to Walter and Flora Colmery, Harry Walter Colmery was one of four children. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1913, from law school at the University of Pittsburgh in 1916, and was admitted to the Utah bar in 1917.[3]
World War I edit
Colmery served in the United States Army Air Service during World War I as an instructor and pursuit pilot. He was honorably discharged on April 24, 1919.[3]
Personal life edit
Colmery married his college sweetheart, Minerva Harriet Hiserodt, on December 20, 1919. They had three children: Mary, Harry W., Jr., and Sarah Elizabeth.[3]
Legacy edit
The Colmery-O'Neil Veterans Administration Hospital in Topeka, Kansas, is named in honor of him.[3]
Military awards edit
References edit
External links edit
- Harry W. Colmery at Find a Grave
- Harry W. Colmery at The Political Graveyard
