"THE DOUGHBOYS
Winnek Post #396, American Legion's championship Color Guard was started in the spring of 1997 with twelve dedicated Legionnaires. This Guard honors the memory}' of First Lieutenant Edward F, Winnek who lost his life on September 29, 1918 by a machine gun bullet. Lieutenant Winnek was second in command of Company "B:'/ 108th infantry regiment of the 27th Division based in Geneva. This regiment was part of the 27th Division commanded by Major General John F. O'Ryan and were affectionately known as "O'Ryan's Roughnecks, The emblem of the 27th consists of connecting letters which spell NYD standing for New York Division and the constellation of Orion, a tribute to the commander. Company "B” left Geneva in August of 1917 and departed for France in April of 1918, Lieutenant Winnek and his company were breaching the Hindenburg line when his death occurred. He is buried in the Somme Military Cemetery at Bony, France. The "Doughboy" uniforms are modeled after the World Wi 1 Army uniforms and proudly wear the emblem of the 27th Division. Many of the elements of the uniform are original equipment.
Since it's inception, the Guard has participated in District and Department Conventions, was chosen as the Seventh District Color Guard, awarded several first place trophies at parades throughout the Stale of New York, and has taken First Place Awards at the annual Warrior's Day Parade in Toronto. Canada for the last 4 years, and was awarded first place in the Department 40&8 parade in 2004, "The Doughboys" have been honored to be a part of the International Marine Tattoo in 2001 and 2004 and take particular pride in it's participation.
This unit continues to participate in many events during the Legion year and strives to keep alive the memory of all of the men and women who served in "The War to End all Wars
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