Wilmington, Oh. — World War II Veteran Lawson Adkins, 97, of Wilmington, will be awarded France’s highest distinction for his participation in the liberation of France.
Private First Class Adkins served with the 491st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion – 9th U.S. Army Air Force. During the Second World War, he participated in the Normandy, Southern France, and Northern France campaigns.
Consul General of France to the Midwest region, Guillaume Lacroix, will officially present the Legion of Honor medal to the Honoree in the presence of Wilmington Mayor John M. Stanforth, County Commissioner Brenda Woods, as well as veterans organizations representatives. The ceremony will be held at Ohio Living Cape May, 175 Cape May Drive in Wilmington at 9 a.m.
The Legion of Honor is the highest distinction that France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for France. Founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the National Order of the Legion of Honor recognizes eminent service to the French Republic. Recipients of this honor are named by decree signed by the President of the Republic.
