Veterans at War

This dissertation analyzes the role of the American Legion in the mobilization of World War II, focusing on its civilian defense and salvage programs. These programs demonstrate the contest between voluntary associations and the federal government to shape and control the development of federal programs as state responsibility expanded into new areas of American life. Though ultimately unsuccessful in its efforts to control the programs the American Legion exerted tremendous influence on them. Its size and presence in nearly every community ensured the American Legion positions and influence at every level of the federal civilian defense and salvage programs. Expertise gained through early civilian defense exercises and the exploratory Mission to England in 1941 positioned Legionnaires well to become leaders within civilian defense. The Legion's strong local and national structure made it one of the most successful organizers of salvage drives. Veterans experienced the Second World War in unique ways that were directly linked to their military experiences in previous wars. They had wartime memories of what life was like on the front lines and tried to use those experiences to better the lives of the new generation of soldiers and to improve home front support of military personnel. Animosities created during World War I toward war profiteers, "shirkers," and subversive forces, greatly influenced the Legion in World War II. Veteran studies, which have viewed veterans as post-war actors, would benefit from considering the activities of veterans in future wars.