The Sons of the American Legion*

The Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron of China Post 1 is not a normal post, and it is not for everyone.

Operating continuously “in exile” without a fixed physical building, we preserve a legendary heritage first established by American veterans in Shanghai in 1919. We are a specialized, global vanguard. Because of our unique status and international footprint, membership is a privilege, not a right. We maintain an uncompromising focus on high moral character and honor.

To protect the integrity of our fellowship, membership in China Post 1 is strictly by invitation only. We do not accept open public applications; you must be thoroughly vetted and sponsored to be considered for our ranks.

Why Join & What We Do

1. Global Camaraderie

Connect with a highly selective community of veterans, descendants, and expats around the world [C1]. Members gather globally at designated member bars—known as our “watering holes”—and meet annually for our high-profile international reunion banquet [C1].

2. Dedicated Veteran & Youth Support

We turn fellowship into disciplined action [C1]. Our squadron raises vital funds and volunteers time for Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals and homes [C1]. We are also deeply committed to youth programming, actively fundraising for the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation (CWF) and supporting local youth projects [C1].

3. Universal Legion Benefits

Enjoy all standard American Legion benefits, including national discounts on hotels, car rentals, and merchant savings [C1]. Furthermore, your membership card grants you entry into physical American Legion posts worldwide [C1].

4. Specialized Programs

Members who ride can also transition into the active China Post 1 Dragon Riders, our official motorcycle program extension [C1].

 Code of Conduct: The Measure of a Member

Membership in China Post 1 is a distinct privilege reserved for those who embody the spirit of the “General Ward Post”—defined by self-reliance, international stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to the legacy of those who served far from home.

As a member of this unique detachment, you are expected to live by a strict code of personal conduct:

  • Guard the Legacy: Protect the 1919 heritage of our founding members in Shanghai. Carry their torch of independent, resilient patriotism with pride.
  • Uphold Absolute Honor: Act with integrity in all personal and professional dealings. Dishonorable actions by any member tarnish the global reputation of the entire Post.
  • Demonstrate High Moral Character: Treat fellow members, the veteran community, and our international hosts with deep respect. We do not tolerate behavior that compromises our standing.
  • Serve Beyond Borders: Actively support the veterans who came before us and the youth programs that shape our future, regardless of your geographic location [C1].
  • Respect the Ranks: Honor the chain of command, the Department of France, and the bylaws that keep our unique post “in exile” organized and disciplined [C1].

The Bottom Line: We are a global vanguard. If your character, actions, or values do not reflect the highest standards of honor, China Post 1 is not the place for you.

Membership Dues

  • Annual Cost: Dues for the Sons of the American Legion program are $35.00 per year [C2]. (Please note: While standard Legionnaire membership is $50, the SAL rate is strictly $35.00) [C1, C2].
  • Timeline: Our fiscal year begins July 1 [C1]. Dues must be paid by August 31 each year to remain a member in good standing [C1].
  • How to Pay: Once approved and invited, dues can be submitted online via the official China Post 1 Dues Management Portal by selecting the SAL option from the payment dropdown menu [C2].

Eligibility Guidelines

To be considered for the SAL program, you must meet strict standards of personal conduct alongside the traditional military lineage criteria established by the National Constitution of The American Legion [C3].

1. Lineal Descent

You must be a male descendant, which strictly includes [C3]:

  • Sons, stepsons, and adopted sons [C3]
  • Grandsons and great-grandsons (continuing down the generational line) [C3]

2. The Veteran’s Status

  • Your qualifying veteran ancestor must meet at least one of these conditions [C3]:
  • They are a current, living member of The American Legion [C3].
  • They are deceased but maintained an active membership in The American Legion at the time of their passing [C3].
  • They are deceased but served honorably during an eligible war era and passed away after receiving an honorable discharge (regardless of whether they joined the Legion personally) [C3].
  • They died in active-duty service during an eligible war era [C3].

3. Eligible Service Eras

The veteran must have served honorably on active duty during one of these legally defined congressional timeframes [C3]:

  • World War I: April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918 [C3].
  • World War II to the Present: Any time from December 7, 1941, to the present day [C3]. (Note: Under the federal LEGION Act, the period from WWII to the present is considered one continuous, open era of eligibility) [C3].

How to Request a Replacement DD214 Record

Every application requires a copy of your veteran ancestor’s DD214 discharge papers (or official branch equivalent) to verify their service dates and honorable status [C3]. If the veteran is currently alive and an active Legion member, providing their American Legion member ID number is usually sufficient.

If you do not have a copy of the DD214, you can request a free replacement copy through official government channels [C4]:

Option A: Online Requests (Fastest)

  • National Archives eVetRecs: Visit the National Archives Military Service Records Portal to launch an electronic application [C4]. You will need to verify your identity securely using ID.me [C4].
  • DoD milConnect Portal: If the veteran was discharged more recently (generally after 1995), sign into the VA milConnect Portal [C4]. Locate the Defense Personnel Records Information (DPRIS) section under the “Correspondence/Documentation” menu to submit your request [C4].

Option B: Mail or Fax

  • Standard Form 180 (SF-180): Download and fill out the National Archives Standard Form 180 [C4]. Mail or fax the completed form to the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) address listed in the form’s instructions [C4].

Privacy & Next-of-Kin Access Rules

  • Public Records (Older than 62 years): If the veteran was discharged more than 62 years ago, their files are architectural public records and can be ordered by anyone [C4].
  • Restricted Records (Under 62 years): If the discharge happened less than 62 years ago, only the veteran or their direct next-of-kin (surviving spouse, child, parent, or sibling) can request the un-deleted record [C4]. Next-of-kin applicants must provide a copy of a death certificate, published obituary, or funeral home letter as proof of death [C4].

The Joining Process: Step-by-Step

Process Payment: Submit your completed application alongside your $35.00 dues payment [C2]. Administratively, our squadron is attached to the American Legion Department of France and managed by the elected China Post 1 Commander, Adjutant, and Executive Committee [C1].

Secure a Sponsor (Required): You cannot apply solo. All applicants must have a current, active China Post 1 member act as their official sponsor to vouch for their character and honor.

Receive an Invitation: Once your sponsor vets your background, you will be formally invited to submit an application.

Gather Documents: Secure your veteran ancestor’s DD214 copy or active Legion member ID [C3].

Submit the Application: Request the official squadron application form directly through your sponsor or the China Post 1 Adjutant’s Office [C1].

1. Download-CP1-SAL-New-Members-ApplicationDownload

China Post 1 Dragon Shirts are available sizes small through 3xl for $25.00 ea. To order a shirt, click S.A.L. Commander.