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Article posted in the Daytona Beach, Fl newspaper

French Legion of Honor France honors local World War II vets

France honors Volusia, Flagler D-Day veterans

By Chris Graham
chris.graham@news-jrnl.com
Published: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 5:30 a.m.
News-Journal/JIM TILLER

Sidney Blair, center, watches as Gen. Bernard Commins prepares to present him with the French Legion of Honor medal at a cere­mony Tuesday at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum.

ORMOND BEACH — Jennie Woods isn’t used to getting recognition.

“I sometimes feel like I was part of a covert group because nobody knows we were there,” said the 91-year-old Ormond Beach resident, one of 47 women classified as a ground troop who landed in Normandy after the D-Day invasion. She never saw battle but witnessed the devastation, receiving dozens upon dozens of casualty reports.

“It was always sad,” she said of reading the daily reports, adding that she would then have to find replacements to take the place of the fallen.

Nearly 70 years later, Woods and 11 other local veterans were honored at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens for their efforts that led to the liberation of France and victory over the Nazi regime. They were the recipients of the French Legion of Honor, the highest award bestowed by the French government.

“This is what brought us the present peace in Europe,” Philippe Letrilliart, a consul general of France, said of the veterans’ bravery. “We owe this to you.”

The moment wasn’t lost on Sidney Blair and Sal Palacino, who both were involved in the efforts at Normandy.

Blair, 91, a Daytona Beach resident, served as a petty officer first class in the Navy aboard the USS Firecrest, which helped sweep European waters for mines shortly before the landing craft arrived on the sands of occupied France.

“It’s terrific,” Blair said of the honor.

Palacino, 89, arrived on Omaha Beach during the initial wave of troops to arrive on June 6, 1944. It’s by the grace of God, Palacino said, that he survived the invasion. He was all smiles after receiving the French honor.

“I have 37 medals,” Palacino said. “This one is the ultimate.”

Woods, who received four Bronze stars, is likely the only woman locally to be recognized for serving in France.

“I’m absolutely grateful,” said Woods, who received her degree and became a teacher after the war.

Others receiving the honor Tuesday included Robert Anderson, James Carter, John Keegan, Ballard Keesee, John McGrory, Samuel Mastrogiacomo, Herman Melzer, Raymond Moon and Richard Rossi. Palm Coast resident Bramwell Linden was not present at the ceremony.

Tuesday’s ceremony was the fifth time World War II veterans from the area have been honored for their efforts, with 85 locals receiving recognition, said Claude Berthoin, French consulate representative for Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties. Efforts are under way to honor more World War II veterans before it’s too late, he added. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates slightly more than a million World War II veterans remain, though they are dying at a rate of 600 a day.

“Your time is coming,” Berthoin said of future awards to be handed out.

The French government will never forget the sacrifice made by thousands of Americans, said Bernard Commins, the French general who pinned the medals on the 12 war heroes.

“We never forget that (sacrifice),” he said. “It’s the minimum we can do for them, to say one more time, ‘Thank you.’ ”

Posted:
http://www.news-journalonline.com/artic ... rintpicart

Pretty good stuff. I was born and raised in Daytona. There was alot of WWII vets in the area. Thanks for posting.