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France Honors American World War Veterans

France Honors American World War Veterans

Published on June 1, 2015

France Honors American World War Veterans in the United States

Among his numerous missions and activities, the Ambassador of France to the United States regularly honors American veterans of the two world wars. Paying tribute to those men is a way to express France’s gratitude toward those who risked their lives—and in many cases, gave their
lives—defending liberty. After submitting an application, most American veterans who served in France during World Wars I and II are inducted into the Légion d’honneur, or Legion of Honor.

The French Legion of Honor is an order of distinction first established by Napoleon Bonaparte in May of 1802. It is the highest decoration bestowed in France and is divided into five categories: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross). The highest degree of the Order of the Legion of Honor is that of Grand Master, which is held by the sitting President of the Republic.

Foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds may receive a distinction from the Legion of Honor. American recipients include Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur, Admiral Michael Mullen, and even, as an institution, the United States Military Academy at West Point. Today there are approximately 93,000 Legion of Honor recipients. American veterans who risked their lives during World War II and who fought on French territory qualify to be decorated as Knights of the Legion of Honor. Veterans must have fought in one of the four main campaigns of the Liberation of France: Normandy, Provence, Ardennes, or Northern France.

Thirteen American veterans of World War II were recognized on September 27, 2012, for their efforts in protecting France. French Veterans Affairs Minister, Kader Arif, bestowed the Legion of Honor medals to the recipients at a ceremony at the French embassy. Among the medal recipients were two sisters who served in France as part of the U.S. Army Nursing Corps. To read the full story, please click here.

For more information about applying to join the Legion of Honor, please contact your nearest French consulate.