The unit was initially formed in the early eighties within what was then the 36th Division Ceremonial and Demonstration Auxiliary. It never achieved more than a handful of members, although the unit presented a pretty accurate French Foreign Legion representation. During this time, Tom Townsend was the unit commander. To see photos from the early years, go to the photo section of this web site.

By 1987, the 13th was no longer a recognized unit within the 36th Auxiliary. It remained dormant until the summer of 1997, when Paul Kendall, Roy Dabney, Earl Bryant, and Tom Townsend revived the unit as a method for recruiting Civil War re-enactors who might be interested in World War II re-enacting. The reason behind this was two-fold: first, the Legion allowed men to wear beards, and second, the basic impression we are portraying (1942-43) used a combination of both French and British equipment. Therefore, the overall cost is kept to a minimum. The unit does not require dress uniforms, or other niceties that create a complete Allied or German impression; clean khakis, a white scarf, and the kepi blanc are all that is required for the dress uniform.

The unit quickly grew from this beginning to its present size of ten re-enactors, including several WW2 re-enactors who had left the TMHS over time to do Civil War. Many of the members are practically founding members of the old 36th C&D Aux., and are returning because of what the unit offers: a chance to do a solid living history and combat impression, with an emphasis on unit cohesiveness and integrity.

Early in 2000, we incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. At that time, we decided to extend the type of historical impression to include Indochina, 1946-1954. In July, we attended our first Indochina event in Beaumont, Texas, at the invitation of the Viet Nam Veterans Association. They are building a full-scale reproduction of a firebase on a sixty acre tract of land. This land includes trails, and will eventually include a Vietnamese village and a Viet Cong (Viet Minh) staging area. We have been invited to recreate a typical French fortified outpost from the Indochina area for the public to see as a part of the walking tour of the property. In addition, tactical battles are fought on these facilities.

The organization has grown to include members in several states. We have an advisory board, composed of current and former legionnaires (legionnaire to legion officer). The advisory committee is generally the final word on impressions, clothing, and equipment. Should a concensus not be reached with the advisory committee, the Legion's Museums in Aubagne and Puylobier are consulted. As a result of our efforts to work with the Legion to accurately depict Legion life during the times we portray, we have developed a relationship that few re-enacting or living history communities enjoy.

This unit will not accept just anyone; it takes a special person to be a legionnaire in this organization. Dedication to understanding and bringing alive the history of the French Foreign Legion, respect for comrades in arms, a disdain for the petty politics which can destroy a unit's integrity, and the ability to perform in an organization are key qualities that we are looking for. Anyone who is less that 100% dedicated to these qualities will not make it in this outfit. Recruits may make one battle with this unit as a guest; after that, the unit will decide whether they should be admitted as members. This is a brotherhood of soldiers, regardless of age, service history, and other differences. Legio Patria Nostra(The Legion is our Homeland) is not only the motto of the real French Foreign Legion, it is our motto as well. As with the real Legion, you take an oath of loyalty not to France, but to the Legion.
 

In addition, we are dedicated to the concept expressed in the second line of the code of the Legion:

Every legionnaire is your brother-at-arms, irrespective of his nationality, race or creed. You will demonstrate this by an unwavering and straightforward solidarity which must always bind together members of the same family.
 

If you think you can meet these qualifications, contact us. This will be the most interesting unit, and dedicated, that you may ever find. From the time we arrive at an event, until the time we leave, we are the French Foreign Legion. First person impressions are to be worked on and perfected. We already have several members portraying a variety of nationalities: Irish, Dutch, American, British, Russian, French, and even German. The Legion is truly an international brotherhood of soldiers.

If, on the other hand, you are not interested in doing both an excellent living history and superb combat impression, then perhaps we are not the unit you would be interested in joining.