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History

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Post Namesake

Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3 was named in memory of Westfield’s World War I hero, Martin Wallberg, a son of Westfield who paid the supreme sacrifice and the first to carry the American flag over the top. Martin Wallberg was born in Västra Ed, Kalmar, Sweden, on August 23, 1898, and came to Westfield, N.J. with his parents when he was 4 years, 6 months old. He attended school in Westfield, and completed his studies around the outbreak of WWI. In June 1915, he left home and went to Canada. On May 8, 1916, he enlisted in the Canadian army because he thought it was his duty. After training, he was sent to England, arriving on October 19, 1916. From there, he left for France on February 15, 1917, and went into action in April 1917. Serving with the 8th Battalion, Manitoba Regiment in August 1917, he was wounded, later recovered, and went back into action. While in the trenches, Martin received mail from home containing a little American flag from Major Leigh Pearsall of Westfield informing him that he had been elected to the honor roll of Westfield in appreciation of his valor as an American volunteer with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces. On November 10, 1917, at Passchendaele Hill, in Belgium, carrying his American flag Martin went over the top, and was KIA. His flag was recovered, and later donated to Post 3 by the Wallberg Family. For his valor, Post 3 founders unanimously agreed that Post 3 be named in memory of Martin Wallberg. Private Martin Tore Wallberg (Service Number: 234934) is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in Belgium, and on the Saskatchewan Virtual War Memorial. The Westfield Historical Society inducted Martin Wallberg into the Westfield Hall of Fame on May 25, 2016.

First Elected Officers

Commander: Walter A. DempseySenior Vice Commander: Robert KeyesJunior Vice Commander: Raymond CherryAdjutant: Edward WittkeAsst. Adjutant: William CanfieldQuartermaster: Alan Bruce ConlinAsst. Quartermaster: William McClintockColor Sergeant: Alfred W. MurphyChaplin: Chas. Sisserson Officer of the Day: Robert SnevilyHistorian: Leigh M. Pearsall

History

Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3 was founded by Westfield veterans of World War I. The first meeting was held in the home Leigh M. Pearsall on May 21, 1919. In that meeting, Alan Bruce Conlin was elected temporary Chairman, and Edward Wittke temporary Secretary. A committee consisting of Leigh M. Pearsall, Robert Keyes, Robert Perry, Lindsey Dallas, and Aubrey Russell nominated the first elected officers. On or about May 25, 1919, the day the American Legion opened the New Jersey office in Newark, Alan Bruce Conlin applied for and obtained a temporary charter. The Martin Wallberg American Legion Post of Westfield, New Jersey received the number three (3) designation. Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3 received its permanent charter on September 6, 1919.

The first headquarters for Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3 was the old Prospect Street School in downtown Westfield, which is now the northwest end of Westfield’s municipal parking lot. Post 3 veterans of WWI renovated, and occupied the building from 1921 until 1949. After the end of WWII, veterans of WWII decided to build a more modern home. Under the leadership of Jack J. Camillo, Commander for the years 1949 & 1950, the current home at 1003 North Avenue West, Westfield, NJ was built and occupied in 1949.

Notable Members

THE FOLLOWING ARE MARTIN WALLBERG AMERICAN LEGION POST 3 CHARTER MEMBERS:

T. Sherman Class William C. Canfield George V. GilmoreRobert E. Perry Jr. Alan B. Conlin George C. MannerHerber B. Smith Raymond S. Brainard George W. CravensCharles E. Tice William F. Kennedy Fred R. DoerrerDonald Donaldson John S. Ferguson Leigh M. PearsallFrank L. Beattys Harrison L. Taylor Frank M. TraynorJosiah T. Tubby Jr. William L. Dallas Raymond CherryAlbert R. Manner Leonard D. Appley Walter A. DempseyEdward W. Wittke

MULTIPLE GENERATION FAMILIES INVOLVED WITH POST 3 INCLUDE:

Edward W. Wittke, and Edward W. Wittke, Jr.
Alan B. Conlin, and Alan B. Conlin, Jr
Peter Hogaboom, and son Thomas Hogaboom
Charles E. Townsend Sr., and granddaughter Sharon Knight (Auxiliary President)

NOTABLE MEMBERS THAT HAVE MANAGED YOUTH PROGRAMS:

Albert Moeller - American Legion Baseball
Peter Hogaboom - Boys State
Jack Ford - Boys State

What Makes this Post Unique?

Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3 was the first American Legion post chartered in Union County, NJ.

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