World War II veterans receive French award

  • Published
  • 482nd Public Affairs Office
HOMESTEAD, Fla. --  Ten American veterans who fought alongside French forces during World War II were awarded the insignia of Chevalier dans l'Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur, or Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor, in a ceremony at Losner Park on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11.

In 2004, on the 60th anniversary of the Normandy landings, as a gesture of gratitude, France decided to grant the Legion of Honour to all U.S veterans who fought on French soil. Many of those young American soldiers gave their lives in the name of freedom and were, therefore, unable to receive this award.

Ranging in ages from 86 to 93, the following 10 veterans, all whom reside in Florida were honored:

Michael Hushla, William Fitzgerald, Leonard Wolf, Roswell Ortt, Michael Rich, John Burch, Howard Summers, Sheldon Mermelstein, William Deitz and Robert Scheffrin

The insignias were awarded by the French Consul General, Mr. Gael de Maisonneuve.

"Today we will honor 10 of those courageous veterans who represent all of those who fought for our freedom. I am honored to have the opportunity to present you formally with my country's highest distinction and assure you that the French will never forget what you did," said Maisonneuve.

Founded in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the award was created to reward military and civil merits in the service of France. The Legion of Honor is the highest distinction than can be bestowed in France on a French citizen or foreigner.

France Rear Admiral Patrick J. Martin, U.S. Central Command; Col. Donald R. Lindberg, Commander, 482nd Fighter Wing; Navy Capt. Robert Wilson, Deputy Commander, Special Operations Command South; and Mr. Jon Burgess, Vice Mayor, City of Homestead, Fla., took part in the ceremony.

There are five levels of the award, with Chevalier being the first rank and Grand Croix being the highest. The medal consists of white double-cornered five-point star joined with branches of laurel and oak. In the center is the symbol of the republic with the inscription Republique Francaise. The ribbon is of red silk.

Past awardees include Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell.