Members of the "Bonus Army" camp out on the US Capitol lawn in 1932. In 1924 Congress had promised World War 1 vets a bonus, delieverable in 1945. Walter Waters, a former sgt from Oregon, began the march with some 300 men from Portland. By May 1932, about 15,000 destitute vets, some with wives and children assembled in Washington DC. Establishing Hoovervilles on nearby Anacostia Flats, they petitioned Congress for early payment. On July 28, 1932 police and soldiers tear-gassed and torched the camp. Several adults and children died, and many of the vets were wounded. The incident practically guaranteed that Pres. Herbert Hoover would not be re-elected