In September 1934, Walter Heinze, the Reverend R. F. Chapler, and the Reverend H. A. Darche held an organizational meeting to form the Bradley American Legion Post 766.

The charter lists 15 members, with Walter Heinze being the first post commander.

In November 1934, the auxiliary charter was formed and 16 members listed. The first auxiliary president was Ruth Bleau.

During these early years the meetings were held in the Odd Fellows Hall on West Broadway. The present Legion Hall was constructed in the early 1940s. The post members did most of the work. They hauled bricks from the old Kankakee Post Office building, cleaned and put them in place. Before the building was complete, not even enclosed with windows, the first fish fry was held.

The veterans of WW I, who were charter members are: Walter Heinze, Rev. Harris A. Darche, Rev. R. F. Chapler, Paul Beland, Charles DeLong, Roy Erickson, Henry Hadders, Clarence Hawley, William Knox, Adolph LaFine, Phillip Marcotte, Walter Martin, Oscar McCue, Edward Mulligan, John Pechauer, Ronald Bleau, Nelson Delude, Leo Grant, John Hassett, Harry Kassman, Hainey LaGesse, Leslie Locke, Leo Marlaire, Thomas McAndrews, Eli J. Melakovich, Joe Mulligan, George Mulligan, George Patnaude, Omer J. Rivard, Raymond Sanor, Joseph Slovikoski, Joseph Sovinski, Philip Shoven, Joe Sniegoski, and August Webb.

At the end of WW II, Bradley was ranked third highest percentage-wise in ratio of population to those who served in the armed services. Five hundred twenty served their country, 19 died in that service.