Six war veterans are set to receive the highest decoration from the French government – the National Order of the Legion of Honour.
The award is being presented to the Liverpool men for their bravery and role in liberating France in 1944. The medals have been distributed via the French Embassy in London, and will be presented by Honorary Consul of France, Mr Philip Daniel on behalf of the President of the Republic of France.
Receiving the award will be:
- Leading Aircraftman Stephen Conyngham, Royal Air Force
- Kingsman Bernard Cross, 5th Battalion, The Liverpool King’s Regiment
- Pte Michael Crumby, 8th Irish Battalion, The Liverpool King’s Regiment
- Captain Tim Fitzgerald, 3rd Battalion, The Irish Guards
- Gunner Richard Stanley Hughes, Royal Regiment of Artillery
- Rifleman Desmond James Ryan, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Ulster Rifles
National Order of the Legion of Honour (in French: Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur), is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte on 19 May 1802. The Order is the highest decoration in France and is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand’Croix(Grand Cross).
