Greek American World War II veteran James Facos has just been honoured with one of France’s highest honours after French President Francois Hollande installed him as a chevalier — a knight — in the country's Legion of Honor.
At the age of 19 Facos had already received his first award, the Distinguished Flying Cross from the Army Air Corps, and now with a new honour at 91.
“I was caught by it. To be a chevalier — a chevalier you know is a knight. So I'm recognized as a knight," a surprised Facos said.
The award was first given by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. But since 2004, which was the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the French have awarded it to U.S. veterans who gave distinguished service defending France against Nazi Germany in World War II.
In a letter notifying Facos that he had been selected for the honour, Valery Freland, France's Consul General in Boston, wrote that the award "Is a sign of France's infinite gratitude and appreciation for your personal and precious contribution to the United States' decisive role in the liberation of our country in World War II."
James Facos was born in Massachusetts, in 1924 to a Greek immigrant father and Irish mother and raised in Springfield; Facos worked as a bookkeeper for a time after the war and later got a bachelor's and master's degree. He taught English for decades at Vermont College in Montpelier, which has been absorbed into Norwich University in nearby Northfield. He's a published novelist, playwright and poet.
