American WWII veterans receive the Legion of Honor [fr]
Paying homage to the service, sacrifice and courage of the members of the U.S. armed forces who participated in the liberation of France during the Second World War remains a central mission of the Consulate.
Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the National Order of the Legion of Honor is France’s highest decoration and recognizes eminent services to the French Republic. By presenting this distinction to these veterans, we recognize their service to France and honor our responsibility to never forget the men and women who participated in the liberation of France.
During the period from August to December 2021, Consul General Vincent Hommeril decorated six American veterans on behalf of the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron:
Joseph B. Battista of Georgia
Mr. Battista entered into active service with the U.S. Navy in May 1943. Among his actions, he manned a 20mm gun on the USS Somers destroyer and participated in U.S. Navy component of the D-Day Normandy Landings, providing artillery support and anti-submarine protection.
Wesley E. Hart of North Carolina
In September 1944, he participated in the D-Day Normandy Landings at Omaha Beach with the U.S. Army 102nd Infantry Division. Later, he supported frontline troops through helping to maintain the trucks carrying supplies from Normandy to Allied forces on the front.
Luciano “Louis” C. Graziano of Georgia
Mr. Graziano entered into active service with the U.S. Army in January 1943. He participated in the Rhineland and Northern France military campaigns, including the third wave of the D-Day Normandy Landings. He is believed to be the last living witness to the signing of the Articles of the Unconditional Surrender of Nazi Germany on May 7, 1945.
Robert B. Mero of Georgia, medal awarded posthumously
Mr. Mero served as a topographic draftsman with the 263rd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army 66th Infantry Division. He arrived in France in December 1944 and took part in several battles on French soil, notably in Saint-Nazaire and Lorient in Brittany.
Norvin D. McClure of Indiana
As a combat engineer with the U.S. Army 65th Infantry Division, Corporal McClure was tasked with extracting dangerous mines and booby traps left by retreating German forces.
Arthur M. Newell of Ohio
As a rifleman and light truck driver with the U.S. Army 65th Infantry Division, Mr. Newell arrived in France in January 1945 and participated in the capture of the city of Saarlautern (Saarlouis) and the breaching of the Siegfried line.
Major L Wooten of Alabama
As a mechanic with the U.S. Army 764th Railway Shop Battalion, Private First Class Wooten repaired damaged railway and hospital cars for use on the frontlines. He received his decoration during a ceremony that took place on his 105th birthday.
