Connecticut Yankees

Other Names: Anderson-Dunn-Kochiss American Legion Post 42

Stratford, CT United States
Founded: 1931

Inactive Senior

Year	Position	Score	Theme/Songs
1952			(Repertoire not available)
1953			South Rampart Street Parade * ?? * Everywhere You Go * You've Got To Be A Football Hero * Yankee Doodle Dandy * Fine and Dandy * I Love You Truly * When It's Springtime In The Rockies * I Want to Be Happy (from No, No Nanette) * ?? * America the Beautiful * ?? * Down Yonder * There's No Business Like Show Business (from Annie, Get Your Gun) * Onward Christian Soldiers
1962			Navy Blue and Gold * America the Beautiful * Round and Round * Blues in the Night * St. Louis Blues March * Blue Skies (from Alexander's Ragtime Band) * From This Moment On (from Kiss Me, Kate) * When Day is Done
1970	15	58.300	Put On Your Sunday Clothes )from Hello Dolly) * Battle Hymn of the Republic * Promises, Promises * Delilah * Watch What Happens
1971	17	67.950	Hair * Make Me Smile * Battle Hymn of the Republic * Watch What Happens

Position 200+ indicates Division II, Position 300+ indicates Division III, Position 400+ indicates Mini Corps.

CORPS Photos

The Connecticut Yankees drum and bugle corps was originally organized in 1931 as the Anderson-Dunn-Kochiss American Legion (AL) Post 42 of Stratford.

The corps was initially a parade and exhibition unit, entering the field of competition in 1933, placing 3^rd in the CT AL state convention, sporting cream-colored pants, black coats and silver helmets. The next season, the Post 42 began an incredible run as the state champions from 1934 to 1962, winning 29 consecutive titles in that span, excluding World War II. As well, from 1935 to 1941, they earned a finalist position in the AL National championships, ranking between 12^th in 1936 to 2^nd in 1940, including one 3^rd (1939), one 4^th(1941), two 5^th (193- 1938), one 8^th (1935) and one 12^th(1936) place finishes.

Upon returning from the second World War, the Anderson-Dunn-Kochiss Post reorganized under a new name, the Connecticut Yankees, and went on to win the coveted 1946 AL Nationals, their only National title, receiving a “royal” welcome upon their return. Between 1947 to 1960, for the exception of 1950 and 1959, the corps appeared in every Legion National finals with two 2^nd (1955-1957), the latter placing a mere two-tenths from the champion, one 3^rd (1954), three 4^th(1948-1956-1958), two 5^th (1953-1960), two 6^th(1947-1952) and two 9^th (1949-1951) positions. World Drum Corps Hall of Famer Raymond Ludee began his career with the Yankees in 1956 through to 1963.

From 1961 to 1966, the unit was a member of the Northeastern circuit, placing 6^th in 1961 and 1962, 5^thin 1964 along with an appearance in the World Open “Senior” championships, where they finished in 9^th position and two 3^rd place finishes in 1965 and 1966. The following season, the Connecticut Yankees merged with the Vagabonds of Torrington to form the Yankee-Vagabonds and were based in Stratford. After the 1967 competitive season, both units reorganized separately as the Yankees went on the inactive list in 1968, returning to parade corps status for the 1969 season.

In 1970, they would return to the field of competition as members of both the Drum Corps Associates (DCA) circuit, placing 15^th in the preliminaries and the Red Carpet Association (RCA) circuit, where the corps finished 5^th in the championship finals. In their last season of competition, the Connecticut Yankees competed in the World Open “Senior” event, where they finished 9^th and the DCA prelims, placing in 17^th position. The corps also sponsored their renown “Parade of Champions”, organizing their 37^th annual and last event in 1972. Throughout the years, they played in Madison Square Garden and the former Polo Grounds in New York, Soldiers Field in Chicago, the Los Angeles Coliseum and Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

The corps disbanded in 1972 and the organization ceased operations in 1973.

Paul Legault (DCX)

Members (5)

Member Name	Section	Years Involved
Augustine, Dan	Baritone	1971 to 1972
Gallaher, Michael	Baritone	1970 to 1971
Gritman, Jim	Tenor Drum	1963 to 1968
Tichy, David	baritone	1961
Wasmund, Bob	soprano	1969