Harry W. Colmery

Harry W. Colmery (December 11, 1890 – August 23, 1979) was an American attorney who served as the National Commander of The American Legion from 1936 to 1937.[1] Considered the principal architect of the G.I. Bill, he was the first past national commander to earn the Legion's Distinguished Service Medal in 1975.[2]

Harry W. Colmery
Born
Harry Walter Colmery

(1890-12-11)December 11, 1890
North Braddock, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedAugust 23, 1979(1979-08-23) (aged 88)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Resting placeMount Hope Cemetery,
Topeka, Kansas, U.S.
39°02′25.2″N 95°44′19.6″W
NationalityAmerican
Education
OccupationAttorney
Known forPrincipal architect of G.I. Bill
TitleNational Commander of
The American Legion
Term1936 – 1937
PredecessorRay Murphy
SuccessorDaniel J. Doherty
Spouse(s)
Minerva Harriet Colmery
​
​
(m. 1919; died 1956)​
Children3
Military career
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1917–1919
Rank First Lieutenant
UnitAir Service
Battles/warsWorld War I
Awards World War I Victory Medal

Early life and education

Born in North Braddock, Pennsylvania to Walter and Flora Colmery, Harry Walter Colmery was one of four children. He graduated from Oberlin College in 1913, from law school at the University of Pittsburgh in 1916, and was admitted to the Utah bar in 1917.[3]

World War I

Colmery served in the United States Army Air Service during World War I as an instructor and pursuit pilot. He was honorably discharged on April 24, 1919.[3]

Personal life

Colmery married his college sweetheart, Minerva Harriet Hiserodt, on December 20, 1919. They had three children: Mary, Harry W., Jr., and Sarah Elizabeth.[3]

Legacy

The Colmery-O'Neil Veterans Administration Hospital in Topeka, Kansas, is named in honor of him.[3]

Military awards
World War I Victory Medal

References
  1. "Harry Walter Colmery". Kansas Historical Society. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  2. "Harry W. Colmery | The American Legion". legion.org. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
  3. "Harry Walter Colmery - Kansapedia - Kansas Historical Society". kshs.org. Retrieved December 28, 2017.
Non-profit organization positions
Preceded by
Ray Murphy		 National Commander of The American Legion
1936 – 1937		 Succeeded by
Daniel J. Doherty
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