France to decorate WWII veteran John Roberts with Legion of Honor

Almost 80 years after D-Day, French Consul General Anne-Laure Desjonquères will decorate World War II veteran John D. Roberts with the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 15th at 3:30 p.m. at the Magnolia Civic Center, in New Albany,

From the Consul General of France in Atlanta press release: “John D. Roberts embarked on his military journey on July 15, 1943, at Camp Shelby, MS, undergoing Basic Training at Camp McCain and subsequently being stationed at Fort Eustis, VA. Crossing the Atlantic aboard the General Brooks transport ship, Roberts was assigned to Company B 117th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division. He landed in Normandy six days after D-Day. The division engaged in relentless combat with German forces, navigating from the East bank of the Vire River through France into Germany, notably facing intense battles in Mortain, France. On October 3, 1944, during an operation near the Rhine River, Roberts sustained injuries from a German mortar round and a rifle round while positioned on a railroad track, demonstrating unwavering courage.

“Following his dedicated service, John D. Roberts received an honorable discharge on November 6, 1945, marking the conclusion of his valiant contribution to the war effort.”*

*J. D. Roberts Legion of Honor (Full Press release)