Annual edition
Pub. L. 105–110 substituted “February 28, 1961” for “December 22, 1961”.
Source credit
Nov. 20, 1997, Pub. L. 105–110, 111 Stat. 2270.
Annual edition
Pub. L. 102–179 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: “No person shall be a member of this corporation unless he has served in the naval or military services of the United States at some time during any of the following periods; April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946; June 25, 1950, to January 31, 1955; December 22, 1961, to May 7, 1975; August 24, 1982, to July 31, 1984; December 20, 1989, to January 31, 1990; all dates inclusive, or who, being a citizen of the United States at the time of entry therein, served in the military or naval service of any governments associated with the United States during said wars or hostilities: Provided, however, That such person shall have an honorable discharge or separation from such service or continues to serve honorably after any of the aforesaid terminal dates.”
Source credit
Dec. 2, 1991, Pub. L. 102–179, 105 Stat. 1229
Oct 30, 1990 – Dec 2, 1991
Amended · full text not held
Pub. L. 101–478 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: “No person shall be a member of this corporation unless he has served in the naval or military services of the United States at some time during any of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946; June 25, 1950, to January 31, 1955; December 22, 1961, to May 7, 1975; all dates inclusive, or who, being a citizen of the United States at the time of entry therein, served in the military or naval service of any of the governments associated with the United States during said wars or hostilities: Provided, however, That such person shall have an honorable discharge or separation from such service or continues to serve honorably after any of the aforesaid terminal dates.”
Source credit
Oct. 30, 1990, Pub. L. 101–478, 104 Stat. 1157
Dec 21, 1979 – Oct 30, 1990
Amended · full text not held
Pub. L. 96–155 authorized membership in the corporation for service commencing Dec. 22, 1961, rather than Aug. 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975.
Source credit
Dec. 21, 1979, Pub. L. 96–155, 93 Stat. 1165
Aug 17, 1978 – Dec 21, 1979
Amended · full text not held
Pub. L. 95–346 substituted “May 7, 1975” for “August 15, 1973”.
Source credit
Aug. 17, 1978, Pub. L. 95–346, 92 Stat. 485
Dec 27, 1974 – Aug 17, 1978
Amended · full text not held
Source credit
Dec. 27, 1974, Pub. L. 93–557, 88 Stat. 1792
Sep 1, 1966 – Dec 27, 1974
Amended · full text not held
Pub. L. 89–550 inserted “August 5, 1964, to the date of cessation of hostilities as determined by the Government of the United States,” after “June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953;”.
Source credit
Sept. 1, 1966, Pub. L. 89–550, §2, 80 Stat. 372
Jul 26, 1955 – Sep 1, 1966
Amended · full text not held
Act July 26, 1955, substituted “July 27, 1953” for “the date of cessation of hostilities, as determined by the United States Government”.
Source credit
July 26, 1955, ch. 386, §2, 69 Stat. 380
Dec 28, 1950 – Jul 26, 1955
Amended · full text not held
Act Dec. 28, 1950, redefined eligibility for membership in the American Legion.
Source credit
Dec. 28, 1950, ch. 1177, 64 Stat. 1122
Jul 9, 1946 – Dec 28, 1950
Amended · full text not held
Act July 9, 1946, permitted veterans of World War II to become members.
Source credit
July 9, 1946, ch. 546, 60 Stat. 524
Oct 29, 1942 – Jul 9, 1946
Amended · full text not held
Act Oct. 29, 1942, included as members personnel of war beginning Dec. 7, 1941, and inserted proviso.
Source credit
Oct. 29, 1942, ch. 633, §2, 56 Stat. 1012
Sep 16, 1919 – Oct 29, 1942
Enacted · full text not held
Source credit
Sept. 16, 1919, ch. 59, §5, 41 Stat. 285
Every enactment and amendment in this section's credit is listed. Full text is shown for versions back to 1991; earlier amendments are recorded by date and act, without pre-1994 full text.
