12/04/2025
🌟 Ever Wonder Why American Legion Post 59 in Dexter is Named the Kenady-Hanks Post? 🌟
Recently, a gentleman visited the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library seeking answers to this very question: Why is American Legion Post 59 named the Kenady-Hanks Post? His curiosity sent us down a fascinating rabbit hole of local history, and here’s what we found out!
Join us in honoring the incredible legacies of Captain James Claude Kenady and Private Hanks, two local heroes from Stoddard County who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I. The Dexter American Legion Post 59, originally established in 1919 as the Kenady-Munger-Hanks Post, stands as a lasting tribute to their bravery and service. Over time, the name evolved to Kenady-Hanks, though the reasons for dropping "Munger" remain unclear.
Captain Kenady, the highest-ranking officer from Stoddard County to serve overseas, led with unwavering courage in the 140th Infantry Regiment during the brutal Meuse-Argonne Offensive. His powerful promise to his troops—“COME on boys”—reflected his commitment to lead by example. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries on October 17, 1918, after a harrowing night wounded in a shell hole. Private Hanks, also a Stoddard County soldier, lost his life on the battlefield during the same offensive, his sacrifice remembered at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France.
As discussions emerge about potentially renaming the Post, we invite you to reflect on their stories and the importance of preserving historical memory. Learn more about these heroes and the history of WWI at the Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library. Have information or stories about Captain Kenady, Private Hanks, or the Post’s history? We’d love to hear from you! Drop by or contact us to help keep their legacies alive. 🇺🇸💙
