Peter Sterling Smith Post 327
Peter Smith Legion Post was originally formed in April, 1921, and the Post was chartered. In September of 1991 construction began on the current building and in November, 1993 was opened and remains today.
The Post was named for Private Peter Sterling Smith, United States Marine Corps. He was the first Merriam resident to die in WW1. He lies interred in Vitry-Le-Francois, France. Before his death, after being grievously wounded in battle, this was written to his mother and delivered by a woman in the American Red Cross Nursing Service.
Per his registration card dated May 25th, 1917, Peter Sterling Smith was born on March 18th, 1891in Deepwater, MO. At the time, he was married and working as a shoe salesman at McElwain-Barton Shoe company on West 8th street in Kansas City, MO. His home address listed as Shawnee. He was a Private in the U.S. Marine Corps, 5th USMC Regiment, 2nd Division.
Between June 1st and October 5th of 1918, he fought in these famous WWI battles:
- Ainse Defensive (June 1-5),
- Chateau Thierry (June 6-July16th),
- Ainse-Marne (July 18th-20th),
- Marbache (August 6-17th),
- Timey Sector (September 9-11th),
- St. Mihiel Offensive (September 12-16th),
- Meuse-Argonne (Champagne) Offensive in which he died on October 5th, 1918,
- He is buried in Plot B Row 4 Grave 18 in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, France,
- For some reason, his grave marker has November 5th as his death.
If you have any questions or would like to join the Peter Sterling Smith Post 327 6521 Nieman Road Shawnee, KS 66203 stop by or call us at 913-631-7710!
Post open 1PM Monday to Saturday and 2PM Sunday (unless of an early game). Guest are always welcome but must sign in as a guest of the Post.
Peter Sterling Smith American Legion Post 327