October 18, 2007

Five Wisconsin WWII Veterans to receive top French honor

(MADISON) – Five Wisconsin World War II veterans will be presented with an award for their extraordinary bravery in liberating France during World War II. The award will be presented toMr. John Hall from Middleton, Mr. James Hickey from Green Bay, Mr. Stephen Kellman from Weston, Mr. James Pelletier from Rhinelander and Mr. Lyle Solchenberger from Lake Mills.

The Consulate General of France, Mr. Jean-Baptiste MAIN de BOISSIERE, will present the French Legion of Honor medal to the five honorees.

The ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Milwaukee County War Memorial, Memorial Hall, located at 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“It is truly an honor for these Wisconsin members of our nation’s ‘Greatest Generation,’” said Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Acting Secretary Bill Kloster.

The Legion of Honor, created by First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte, is the highest honor that France can bestow upon those with great deeds, illustrious achievements, devotion, bravery, sacrifices, inventions and progress in all branches of human activity. It is being presented as a symbol of gratitude for contributions to the liberation of France during World War II.

Also attending will be federal, state, and local officials, members of the veterans’ community, and members of the WWII veterans’ families.

For additional information on the French Legion of Honor see www.dva.state.wi.us/legionofhonor or contact the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387).