06/05/2026
The Seifert-Bianchi American Legion Post 132 in New Ulm, Minnesota, has stood as a cornerstone of veteran advocacy, remembrance, and community life for well over a century. Officially organized in 1919, the local post developed alongside the national American Legion movement, which formed in Paris immediately following the end of World War I.
The Namesakes: Seifert & Bianchi
The true heart of Post 132’s history lies in the two local heroes for whom the post is named. Their legacies represent two different eras of global conflict:
The "Seifert" Name: Originally established right after WWI, the post honored local service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in Europe, cementing its role early on as a sanctuary for returning doughboys and a monument to the community's fallen.
Capt. Willibald C. Bianchi (The "Bianchi" Name): A New Ulm native, Bianchi is one of the post's most revered figures. Serving as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army during World War II, Bianchi was awarded the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism in the Philippines in February 1942. Despite being shot in the hand and chest, he single-handedly silenced enemy machine-gun nests with grenades and a tank-mounted weapon. He survived the infamous Bataan Death March and 33 brutal months in POW camps, only to tragically lose his life on January 9, 1945, when an unmarked Japanese prisoner transport ship was struck by Allied aircraft.
A Historic Return: In a deeply moving chapter of local history, Captain Bianchi’s remains were finally identified via forensic science in August 2025. In the spring of 2026, A American Legion Riders convoy escorted his remains home to New Ulm for a proper graveside service with full military honors at the New Ulm Cemetery.
Evolution of the Post & Families
Over the decades, Post 132 expanded from a simple veteran support circle into a comprehensive Four-Family organization, which includes:
The Legionnaires: The core membership of veterans spanning all eras of service.
The Auxiliary: Founded nationally in 1920 (with Minnesota leading the charge), providing localized welfare and family support.
Sons of the American Legion (SAL): Preserving the heritage of their parents and grandparents.
The American Legion Riders: Established locally in 2010 by a small group of motorcycle enthusiasts, the New Ulm chapter has grown dynamically, spearheading major regional fundraisers like the annual Memorial Ride to support the Veterans Assistant Fund.
A Community Hub
Today, Post 132 serves over 450 local veterans while simultaneously acting as one of New Ulm’s most active civic hubs. It sponsors American Legion Baseball and the Boys State program for area youth, provides flags to local schools, and maintains a rigorous, volunteer-driven Honor Guard.
Beyond its foundational military advocacy, the post is widely loved by the broader New Ulm community for its local gatherings—ranging from its historic community Fish Fries (celebrating its 30th annual milestone in 2026) and legendary Burger Tuesday nights, to patriotic ceremonies that keep the history of Brown County's veterans vibrantly alive.
http://www.nuamericanlegion.com/
