Membership eligibility in The American Legion is based on honorable service with the U.S. Armed Forces between
April 6, 1917 and November 11, 1918 - World War I
December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 - World War II
June 25, 1950 and January 31, 1955 - Korean War
February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 - Vietnam War
August 24, 1982 and July 31, 1984 - Lebanon/Grenada
December 20, 1989 and January 31, 1990 - Operation Just Cause - Panama
August 2, 1990 to today - Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm
*Because eligibility dates remain open, all members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities as determined by the government of the United States.
Am I Eligible to be a Member of the American Legion Auxiliary?
Membership in the Auxiliary is limited to women who have direct personal connection with the service in World Wars I and II, the Korean or Vietnam War, or conflicts in Grenada, Lebanon, Panama or the Persian Gulf War. This service is through a member of one's own immediate family who served in the Armed Forces during those wars or conflicts, or through one's own service with the Armed Forces. Upon establishment of the eligibility, such women may become members of a local Unit of the Auxiliary. A member of a local Unit is also a member of the Department and the National Organization, just as a citizen of Chicago is also a citizen of Illinois and of the United States. By payment of dues in the local Unit, a member also contributes to the support of the Department and National Organization.
Basis for Membership:
All women who are eligible for membership in the Auxiliary fall into one of the following categories:
1) Membership in the American Legion Auxiliary shall be limited to the mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, granddaughters and great-granddaughters of members of The American Legion, and to the mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters of all men and women who were in the Armed Forces of the United States during any of the following periods:
April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918;
December 7, 1941 to December 1, 1946;
June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955;
December 22, 1961 to May 7, 1945;
August 24, 1982, to July 31, 1984;
December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990,
August 2, 1990, to and including the date which the United States government shall determine to be the end of hostilities;
All dates inclusive, or who, being citizens of the United States at the time of their entry therein, served on active duty in the Armed Forces of any of the governments associated with the United States during any of said periods, and died in line of duty of after honorable discharge (Step relatives are also eligible);
2) Women who of their own right are eligible for membership in The American Legion.
Am I Eligible to be a Member of the Sons of the American Legion?
To be eligible, you must be a male descendant (includes stepsons and adopted sons) of a member of The American Legion.
You would also be eligible to join the Sons of The American Legion if you are the male descendant (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who died in service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Persian Gulf War (see specific time periods for service during these conflicts)
You would also be eligible to join the Sons of The American Legion if you are the male descendant (stepsons and adopted sons included) of a veteran who died subsequent to his or her honorable discharge from service in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, or the Persian Gulf War . (the same eligibility periods apply as above)