In the aftermath of World War I, disabled veterans in the United States found themselves seriously disadvantaged, with little governmental support.

Although it had been functional for some months by that time, the Disabled American Veterans of the World War (DAVWW) was officially created on September 25, 1920, at its first National Caucus, in Hamilton County Memorial Hall in Cincinnati, Ohio.

[2] While touring across the U.S. as part of the election campaign of James M. Cox, Judge Marx publicized the new organization, which quickly expanded.

The DAVWW continued working through the Great Depression to secure the welfare of disabled veterans, although their efforts were troubled by fundraising challenges and the desire of the public to put the World War behind them.

The DAV underwent substantial change in 1993, when internal arguments concerning the governance of the organization led to a watershed election that turned over the administration to new hands and the National Service Program was overhauled.

The new headquarters is visible from the I-71/I-75 & I-275 Interstate interchanges and brings greater awareness to their free service and support for America's injured and ill veterans.

The organization's seal has since its foundation featured a World War I soldier, armed, kneeling before Columbia, who dubs the man knight.

The DAV works with Federal, state, county, and city governments to develop programs to assist homeless veterans.

The DAV Auxiliary also provides volunteer assistance at Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC), Outpatient Clinics (OPC), Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC), VA Community Living Centers (CLC) and local DAV chapters.

The scholarships are awarded to deserving young men and women who have donated their time and compassion to injured and ill veterans in their own communities.

This award honors the memory and accomplishments of George H. Seal, a World War II combat-injured paratrooper, who made many significant contributions during his lengthy career as a DAV National Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Representative and member of the VAVS National Advisory Committee.

The George H. Seal Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually by DAV in recognition of extraordinary volunteer dedication to the needs of ill and injured veterans through the VAVS Program.