An Evansville man who participated in the invasion of Normandy has been awarded the French government’s highest distinction.
Donald Cobb received the Legion of Honour medal during a ceremony Thursday commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
The French national anthem played from speakers above the crowd gathered on the deck of LST 325.
French consul general Guillaume Lacroix approached the podium, one of five foreign dignitaries aboard the ship for the ceremony.
Lacroix stood in front of the flags of the dozen countries that participated in the invasion to liberate his country from the Nazis. He gave a special message to Cobb, front and center in the crowd.
"Mr Cobb, you are a true American hero, but you are also a true French hero," Lacroix said in a speech before pinning the medal on Cobb's suit jacket on behalf of French president Emmanuel Macron.
Cobb said it means a lot to him that he was given the award on board the LST.
"This boat was at Normandy the same time I was so I’m glad it’s in Evansville," he said.
People of all ages attended the ceremony. Cobb said he hopes the younger ones will never forget about the war.
The Legion of Honour was first created by Napoleon in 1802. Only the French president has the authority to bestow the award.
