Stan Smith from West Columbia received a letter informing him he would be presented with the award Friday, June 8 during a ceremony in Greenville.
/ Katie McKee
COLUMBIA, SC (WACH, AP) -- A Midlands World War II veteran was selected to receive the Legion of Honor award from France.
Stanley Smith, 88, of West Columbia received a letter informing him he would be presented with the award Friday, June 8 during a ceremony in Greenville.
There are a total of 6 World War II veterans from South Carolina receiving the award.
It recognizes services to the French Republic, and was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It is the highest honor in France.
Letters from the French Embassy and Consulate say the award expresses France's gratitude to those who liberated it in 1944 and 1945.
Smith was only 19 years old when he entered the Army. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge serving in the 75th infantry division.
"I'm just a person that's going to except this award, but I'm going to except it on the basis of those thousands of men from the Battle of the Buldge that didn't make it home," said Smith.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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