SS American Legion (1919) SS American Legion (1919) American Legion was built for the United States Shipping Board (USSB), one of the planned World War I troop transports converted before construction into passenger and cargo vessels, the Emergency Fleet Corporation Design 1029 ships. The ship was laid down as "Koda" and perhaps assigned the name "Badger State" at one point, but renamed "American Legion" before launch and one of only a few of the design not taking a state nickname. Originally operated by the USSB's agents and the Munson Steamship Line the ship saw commercial service until laid up 13 March 1939. "American Legion"
George Edmund Badger A Liberty ship, the "SS George E. Badger", also was named in his honor. Badger was a cousin of naval officers Oscar C. Badger, Charles J. Badger and Oscar C. Badger II. George Edmund Badger George Edmund Badger (April 17, 1795May 11, 1866) was a Whig U.S. senator from the state of North Carolina. Badger was born on April 17, 1795 in New Bern, North Carolina. Following a partial college education at Yale College, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1814. Badger practiced law in North Carolina, was active in state politics, and served as a