Hodges awarded French Legion of Honor
Published 9:46 am Friday, November 14, 2014
When Samuel “Roy” Hodges landed on the beaches of Normandy one week after D-Day in 1944, he had no idea that his actions in upcoming battles would be honored more than 70 years later.
In fierce battles against the Nazis, Hodges led his soldiers through the hedgerows of Normandy; through heavy fire in the city of Brest; through Brittany, Ardennes, Rhineland and the Battle of the Bulge — all with courage, honor and heroism.
On Thursday, Gregor Trumel, consul general of France in Louisiana, honored Hodges, 93, for his actions in World War II by awarding him the French Legion of Honor, which Trumel said was France’s highest distinction. Trumel told Hodges that the people of France will never forget what American soldiers did to help restore their freedom.
“Today we want to pay tribute to you, and to all American veterans who liberated France and Europe, for your actions of courage, honor and sense of duty in the common fight for the values both of our countries stand for — liberty, justice, democracy and human dignity,” Trumel said.
During the ceremony, Hodges was also awarded the Louisiana National Guard Distinguished Civilian Service Medal. Leonard Pauley Jr., special assistant to the Louisiana National Guard’s adjutant general, told Hodges the honor was the among highest award a civilian can have.
Pauley said Hodges’ wisdom, integrity and commitment to his fellow citizens in times of war and peace brought honor to himself, his family, Louisiana and the U.S.
Hodges said he was humbled and honored by both awards and never expected to receive any recognition for his actions in World War II.
“I’m kind of proud of myself,” he said. “I never thought about ever getting anything like this. I am going to wear it everywhere I go.”