WEST POINT, N.Y. – A French government official has told 34 World War II veterans at the U.S. Military Academy that they have his nation's eternal gratitude for fighting in the D-Day invasion 70 years ago.
The men were decorated as knights of France's Legion of Honor during a ceremony Friday at the West Point academy. The consul general of France presented each recipient with an insignia to honor his role in liberating France from Nazi German occupation.
Hundreds of Americans have been awarded the honor since France opened up eligibility to all living U.S. veterans who fought on French territory during four major wartime campaigns.
Six World War II veterans received the medal directly from French President Francois Hollande during his visit to the United States in February.
The D-Day landings began June 6, 1944.
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