American Legion Post 57

ALVIN HUGH HARRIS ~ NEWNAN, GEORGIA American Legion Post 57 is named for Alvin Hugh Harris. Alvin Hugh Harris was born in Coweta County, Georgia on November 16, 1893. On February 8, 1915, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and from then, until the day of his death, his life was the highest example of the motto of this wonderful Corps, "Semper Fi... delis." On October 10, 1919, the American Legion Post 57 adopted that the Post be named in honor of one of Coweta County's heroes, Alvin Hugh Harris, of the U.S. Marine Corps, who lost his life gallantly at Bouresche, France near Chateau Thierry. On the morning of the 6th of June, 1918, the Marines were attached at Bouresche, near Chateau Thierry and Belleau Wood. Private Harris was a member of a one-pounder gun crew and was in the front line of attack. Although heavily outnumbered, the Marines attacked with vigor, and the little gun manned by Private Harris was so active that the Huns overtook to silence it with high explosives. One by one the crew was killed, but Private Harris stuck to his gun. He remained at his post until, wounded 14 times and dying, he was carried from the field. Two days later, in the hospital at Juilly, Seine-et-Marine, he died and was buried by his comrades in Grave No. 51. First Lieutenant, C.P. Matteson, Commanding Headquarters, 6th Marines, in a letter to Private Harris' father, wrote, "The members of his platoon, and of the entire company join with me in their expression of sympathy at your bereavement, as your son was one of the most popular and best-liked men in the company. Every inch a Marine, let us hope that his death has not been in vain." "Alvin Hugh Harris died as he lived, always faithful. He bravely laid down his life for his country. His name will ever remain fresh in the hearts of his friends and comrades. The record of his honorable service will be ever preserved in the archives of the American Expeditionary Forces." - J.J. PershingRead More