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JEFFERS' AWARD OF
FRENCH LEGION OF HONOR (2 of 2) |
The Parkersburg
News and
Sentinel
Sunday, Oct 14, 2012 |
Jeffers receives French
honor for service |
PARKERSBURG [OH] - A Hockingport veteran who was
a paratrooper in World War II was presented with the Knight of the
French Legion of Honor on Saturday as thanks for his service in Europe.
Lawrence Jeffers, 89, received the medal from his grandson Joshua
Hultgren, a Civil Air Patrol cadet, at American Legion Post 15 in
Parkersburg during a special ceremony. The medal is the highest honor
given to a non-French citizen.
"I was surprised and excited when I was told about this," said
Jeffers.
"It's a surprised honor that wasn't
expected."
In August, Jeffers and the American Legion Post 15 was informed
that the president of the French Republic appointed him a "Chevalier" of
the Legion of Honor. "It's such a rare |
award that we didn't expect it to
be true," said his wife Shirley Jeffers.
Jeffers served in France and Western Europe during the war with the
U.S. Army's 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment. He parachuted into
Normandy, France, hours before the main D-Day invasion.
The United States has awarded
Jeffers several honors due to his service. In September 1944, he was
awarded the first of two Purple Hearts with the second in February 1945.
He received the Silver Star in June 1944 and a Bronze Star in June 1947.
"This really was surprising for us to receive the letter from the French
Consul," said Ed Armstrong with the American Legion Post 15. "As far as
we have been told, there is only one (other) person having been
given this award in West Virginia." |
Photo by Jolene Craig |
Lawrence Jeffers, 89, of Hockingport, a World War II paratrooper
who landed in France on D-Day, is presented with the Knight of
the French Legion of Honor by his grandson Joshua Hultgren, a
Civil Air Patrol cadet, on Saturday during a ceremony at
American Legion Post 15 in Parkersburg. |
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[cont'd from page 1A]
Armstrong said that it is not often
the post can honor a man of such stature.
"It's very, very seldom that a military man gets a medal from
another country," he said.
According to a letter from Graham Paul, consul general of France in
Chicago, the award is given by the president of the French Republic as a
"sign of France's infinite gratitude and appreciation for your personal
and precious contribution to the United States' decisive role in the
liberation...during World War II.
"This outstanding distinction is the highest honor that France can
bestow upon those who have achieved remark- |
able deeds for France.
It is also a sign of true gratitude for your invaluable
contribution to the liberation of France during these difficult times in
the History of our nation.
"The Legion of Honor was created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte to
acknowledge services rendered to France by persons of exceptional merit.
Since it's inception, 74,384 people have received the Knight of the
French Legion of Honor, according to the award's website.
"My fellow countrymen will never forget your sacrifice. Their
children and grandchildren are as proud of your courageous actions as
can be your own children and grandchildren," Paul said in the letter. |
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