The Legion of Honor is France’s most distinguished decoration and it can be bestowed to recognize the special contribution and act of bravery while fighting for the liberation of our country during WWII. The decision to honor World War II combatants applies only to living veterans who served on French territory and in French territorial waters and airspace from 1944-1945.

The medal will not be awarded posthumously

In order to study your request you must provide us with the following documents:

1.  Proposal Memory Form – Attach the form completed in block letters and print legibly (with a detailed personal narrative related to your campaigns in France in which you participated, indicating the dates and locations where you fought, the divisions or units you belonged to and your functions).
2.  Honorable Discharge Papers – Attach a copy (do not send originals) of both sides of your showing proof of service in France between June 6, 1944 and May 8, 1945.
3.  A copy of any of the following decorations you or your unit may have been awarded is also required: Bronze Star, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Congressional medal, French Croix de Guerre/French Fourragere.
4.  All information (newspaper articles, books, etc) describing your actions in France during WWII.
5. Mail to one of the French Consulates on the list.

Please note that upon receipt of these documents your file will be submitted to our Embassy in Washington DC, and then to the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honor in Paris, France, for a final decision after a close study of the veteran’s record by a committee. The review of application for the Legion of Honor may take over a year. Please don’t call; applicants will be contacted directly if any questions or problems arise.

If your request is accepted you will have to go to one of the French Consulates to receive the medal.