Lifelong Littleton resident Jesse Pegram was recognized Sunday for his 60 years as a member of the American Legion. 

The octogenarian was originally a member of American Legion Post 101, joining that unit in 1947.  In 1957 he became a charter member of the American Legion Horace Palmer Jr. Post 308.

During his 60 years of service to the community through American Legion activities, he was elected post commander four times.  Always concerned for post growth, Mr. Pegram is remembered for his efforts to recruit and encourage veterans to serve the local community through Legion activities.

Mr. Pegram was a local builder involved in the growth of the Lake Gaston area. He was also deeply involved with the work at Camp Willow Run.

Mr. Pegram’s military service was during World War II in the European theater of operations. 

He was aboard a ship off the shore of Normandy during the D-Day, June 6, 1944, invasion.  Unable to off-load because of rough weather conditions, his unit was forced to return to England to re-embark on a larger ship to return to Normandy and go ashore. 

His memory of the eventful day at Normandy was forever marked by the huge number of casualties he saw on the beach.  His unit was also involved in the battle for Bastogne.

The members of Post 308 thanked Mr. Pegram for his service to the nation during the war, his long-term association with the American Legion and his community involvement here in Littleton.