Since 1922, Lester Blackwell American Legion Post 138 has been serving the Veterans of Person County, North Carolina
About Our Post
Robert Lester Blackwell
American Legion Post 138 is named for Private Robert Lester Blackwell an American Soldier from Person County, North Carolina who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor during World War I. Private Blackwell was born on October 4th, 1895 in the Hurdle Mills community of Person County. Private Blackwell was assigned to Company K, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division “Old Hickory”. Private Blackwell’s Medal of Honor Citation reads as follows:
When his platoon was almost surrounded by the enemy and his platoon commander asked for volunteers to carry a message calling for reinforcements, Pvt. Blackwell volunteered for this mission, well knowing the extreme danger connected with it. In attempting to get through the heavy shell and machinegun fire this gallant soldier was killed.
Private Blackwell was one of three soldiers from North Carolina to be awarded the Medal of Honor for service in the First World War. He was Killed In Action on October 11th, 1918, exactly one month before the end of the The Great War. Private Blackwell is buried in Somme American Cemetery and Memorial, Somme Picardie, France. His grave can be found in plot D, row 20, grave 2.
Continuing the Legacy
American Legion Post 138 continues the legacy of serving Person County Veterans by ensuring the sacrifices of our Veterans are not forgotten and performing acts of service for Veterans in need. If you are a Person County Veteran in need please contact us for assistance. Any Honorably Discharged Veteran of the United States Armed Forces is welcome to join our post.