Eligibility

Membership Eligibility

The American Legion is open to all U.S. military veterans who meet the following criteria:

Basic Requirements

• Served at least one day of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
• Service during an eligible war era (see below)
• Honorably discharged or currently serving

Eligible War Eras

• World War I: April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918
• World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946
• Korean War: June 25, 1950 – January 31, 1955
• Vietnam War: February 28, 1961 – May 7, 1975
• Lebanon/Grenada: August 24, 1982 – July 31, 1984
• Panama: December 20, 1989 – January 31, 1990
• Gulf War/War on Terrorism: August 2, 1990 – Present

Not Eligible?

Family members can join the American Legion Auxiliary. Male descendants can join the Sons of the American Legion.