2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
7/2/2014 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- On a boat, rocking back and forth, soldiers were packed shoulder to shoulder. The Allied soldiers were anxious as they prepared for one of the greatest days in history. It was June 6, 1944, where more than 150,000 Allied soldiers, in the largest seaborne invasion in history, invaded Normandy in hopes to turn the tides of World War II against the Nazis.
More than 70 years after the Invasion of Normandy, John Carpenter, a local veteran who participated in the invasion and Battle of the Bulge, received the French Legion of Honor at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., July 1.
On the 70th anniversary of D-Day, 17 veterans were selected to receive the Legion of Honor at the World War II museum in New Orleans. Carpenter was unable to make the event, but he expressed his desire to receive the medal from the 8th Air Force commander.
"The Legion of Honor is not given out to just anybody," said Maj. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, 8th Air Force commander. "It is a very special honor. The French government is recognizing [Carpenter] as a chevalier, or 'knight.'"
The French Legion of Honor is rarely given out. There is a specific number of awards the French government can give out. However, the French government made an exception for military members who fought on French soil during World War II.
Not only was Carpenter recognized for his service to the nation, but for everything he has done in life. From being a part of one of the greatest American generations to everything he has done for his family, Vander Hamm said.
On D-Day, a 29 year old Carpenter, who was much older than the soldiers around him, used his experience to contribute to one of the most important aspects of the war effort.
"He wasn't in the frontlines doing infantry; he was doing supply work," Vander Hamm said. "There is not a unit out there that can operate without logistics support. President, then General Eisenhower, said that amateurs talk tactics; experts talk logistics."
Carpenter ensured the units fighting the adversary received the supplies they needed to take the fight to the enemy.
"He enabled the war effort to continue and his years of experience were a huge encouragement to the much younger men around him," Vander Hamm said. "General Patton himself recognized Carpenter for his expertise."
During this time, Carpenter received the Bronze Star, which was an uncommon award for a logistics Airman.
"Carpenter served valiantly during many different battles during World War II," Vander Hamm added. "You are a true hero, part of our legacy, heritage and we are proud to follow in your footsteps."
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