Milwaukee native Harry E. Ransom (1888-1942) was a Lt. Colonel in the Army Infantry
Reserve and a National Commander of the American Legion’s 40 and 8 Society. In 1905,
he joined the National Guard and in 1910 he joined the Army. He joined the Legion in
1919 was very active holding many positions within the organization nationally and
in his home state of Wisconsin. His funeral was organized by the American Legion
Voiture 85, Milwaukee Post 1.
The 40 and 8 Society was founded in 1920 by American veterans returning from France.
It is an honor society for American veterans and service persons focused on charity
work. Members are added by invitation only. Originally it was part of the American
Legion but in 1960 split off to become its own organization.
