WWII Veterans to be Honored by France in Smyrna

Sixteen World War II veterans will be honored by France with the Legion of Honor in a ceremony next Wednesday at the Amercian Legion Post 160 in Smyrna.

The award is being bestowed because of servicemen's efforts in liberating France from German control in 1944-45, according to a media release by the France Consul General's Office in Atlanta.

Pascal Le Deunff, France's consul general in Atlanta, will present the award, which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. The ceremony is set for 2 p.m., and refreshments, prepared and served by the Ladies Auxiliary, will be available at 1 p.m. and at the conclusion of the program.

The veterans range in rank from Private to Lt. Commander. Four are Post 160 members including Venson L. Abercrombie, Mineral Bluff, Ga; Ralph Ardito, Adairsville, Ga; Leon L. Barnett, Marietta, Ga; and Robert M. Spooner, Atlanta, Ga.                

Others from throughout the Southeast who will receive the award are:

Donald Van Roosen, Pinehurst, N.C.; Hubert Aaron; Crawford, Ga.; Joseph J. Hammonds; Thomaston, Ga.; Thomas Parsons, Decatur, Ga.; James Wright, Millington, TN; James McKinley, Perry, Ga.; Elmer Evans; Knoxville, Tenn.; Reuben Downer, Atlanta; John Ogden, Dundee, Miss.; Emmitt Dooley, Summerville, Ga.

Look for more coverage from Patch leading up to this patriotic ceremony.