The Story of China Post 1
Author: Scott Riebel
Publisher:
Published: 2021-08-20
Total Pages: 335
ISBN-13:
DOWNLOAD EBOOKChina Post 1 is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Founded in Shanghai, China in November 1919, the history of this Post is in fact a history of the membership of the Post, their love for it and their dedication and efforts in ensuring the success and survival of this organization. During the early years, the Post conducted operation much like any other Post within the American Legion.In 1938, following the Japanese occupation of China, the membership shifted focus and much of their work consisted of clandestine operations, intelligence gathering and reporting through their established business connections.On December 8, 1941 following Pearl Harbor, all U.S. expats were gathered up and incarcerated in "civilian detention facilities" like Pootung Prison. During that long incarceration, Post members continued their intel gathering and reporting through a vast network of established civilian contact. One member in particular stands out, Past Commander Frank D. Mortimer.Following the war and their release from incarceration, Post members immediately returned to the old Post home and began the process of assisting expats and veterans return to the U.S., locate missing relatives, arrange for final honors; frankly, anything that was within their power to accomplish with little money. In 1948 the people abandoned the Chiang Kai-shek government in favor of Mao Zedong and in 1948, Americans in Mao's China became persona non grata. So began our exile.The Soldier of Fortune moniker appealed to a certain category of war fighters in South East Asia. The resurgence of the Post is due in large part to these people.You just cannot join China Post 1. Membership in the Post is not solicited. Prospective members MUST be recommended by a current member. The veracity of their application is carefully verified, and an intake interview is conducted. The brand that is China Post 1 is carefully protected.The story of China Post 1 is the story of the membership. This is a collection of their stories and their contributions to maintaining the Post and its brand. This is their story.