Rome's I.H. Storey, James Austin among 12 WWII veterans to receive the Legion of Honor

Media release: In order to express France's eternal gratitude to those who liberated it from oppression from 1944-45, the newly appointed Consul General of France in Atlanta, Denis Barbet, will bestow the Legion of Honor upon 12 American WWII Veterans from the U.S. Southeast in a ceremony to be held on September 27, 2012 at the Lenox Building, in Atlanta.

 

Founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the National Order of the Legion of Honor is the highest honor in France. It recognizes eminent services to the French Republic. Recipients of this honor are designated by the President of the Republic.

 

The following veterans will receive this award in recognition of their courage:

- Richard Gibian, from Selma, AL (Major, 373rd Fighter Group, 411th Fighter Squadron, 95th Air Force);

- Isaac H. Storey, from Rome, GA (Captain, 10^th Infantry Regiment, 5^th Infantry Division);

- Charles G. Sheperd Jr., from Chamblee, GA (First Lieutenant, 121th Infantry Regiment, 8^th Infantry Division);

- William W. Varnedoe, from Hunstville, AL (First Lieutenant, 385^th Bomb Group, 8^th Air Force);

- William Garrett, from Winona, MS ((Technician 4^th grade, Company C, 245^th Engineering Combat Battalion)

- Julian P. Rau, from Decatur, GA (Technician 5^th Grade, 30^th Infantry Regiment, 3^rd Division);

- Morton B. Waitzman, from Atlanta, GA (Technical 5^th Grade, 2^nd Battalion, 115^th Infantry Regiment);

- Lewis J. Baldwin, from Double Springs, AL (Private First Class, Cannon Company, 38^th Infantry Regiment);

- Marion J. Nesmith, from Snellville, GA (Private First Class, 329^th Regiment, 83^rd Division);

- Stanley E. Richardson, from Alexander City, AL (Private First Class, 3^rd Battalion, 180^th Infantry Regiment, 45^th Infantry Division);

- Eddie J. Sessions, from Carrollton, GA (Private First Class, 95^th Infantry Division);

- James C. Austin, from Rome, GA (Pharmacist's mate second class, LST-57).

 

The ceremony will be held on September 27, 2012 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Lenox Building (11^th floor – 3300 Lenox Road NE – Atlanta, GA 30326).