South Carolina WWII Veteran Awarded the Legion of Honor [fr]
Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the National Order of the Legion of Honor is France’s highest decoration and recognizes eminent services to the French Republic.
During a ceremony in Pickens, South Carolina on April 28, 2022, Consul General Vincent Hommeril presented the Legion of Honor to Mr. Raymond E. Dawkins.
Corporal Dawkins arrived in France in 1945 as a member of the U.S. Army 141st Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division. Among his missions, he took part in operations in the Alsace-Lorraine region, including the Battles of “Little Bulge”, Haguenau, Surbourg and Soultz. At the war’s end, he was assigned to occupational forces (Troop C of the 12th Constabulary Squadron) and served to patrol three German cities in an armored car.
In recognition of his service, Mr. Dawkins was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Occupational Medal ETO and the World War II Victory Medal, among other awards.
France’s diplomatic network in the United States organizes these ceremonies to honor the service, sacrifice and courage of the U.S. armed forces who participated in the liberation of France during the Second World War. France and the French people are eternally grateful for their contribution.
