LEGION POST NAMED FOR POTTSVILLE MAN

Bernard D. Cunningham for whom the Cunningham Post of the American Legion of Hamilton was named, was born in Pottsville in 1896. His father T. R. Cunningham came from Comanche and his mother, Lona Bratton Cunningham came from Pottsville. The family moved to Hamilton in 1912. He was educated in the Hamilton schools and was employed by the Connolly Co., for some time before his enlistment in the World War. [World War I]

He enlisted in Hamilton in 1917 and was sent to Ft. Worth to the aviation encampment there for training. He returned to Hamilton for a short visit and left for San Antonio, April 26th, 1918. After five weeks training in San Antonio he sailed for France June, 1918, never to return.

Bernard D. Cunningham lost his life in the St. Mehiel battle, September 22, 191_. He is believed to be the only boy who was killed in action from the town of Hamilton. Four years later his body was laid to rest in the Old Odd Fellows Cemetery; the last body to be returned to the county. Many years have passed, but memory has not dimmed and the sacrifice that this sturdy, heroic boy made has been commemorated by his fellow comrades by the naming of their Legion Post in his honor.

W. F. Billingslea, Editor-Publisher

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June 29, 1934