O. L. Bodenhamer


Ossee Lee Bodenhamer was an American businessman who served as the 12th national commander of the American Legion from 1929 to 1930.

Biography

Ossee Lee Bodenhamer was born in Goldthwaite, Texas, graduating from Baylor University with a bachelor's degree in 1914. During World War I, he served in Georgia, Ohio, and Texas as an infantry officer. After the war, Bodenhamer moved to El Dorado, Arkansas, where he established a successful real estate company. At the 11th national convention in 1929, he was unanimously elected national commander of The American Legion. In 1932, he unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate, losing in the primary election to Hattie Caraway. He died in Shreveport, Louisiana, on June 19, 1933.

Honors