VERMONT...3 VETERANS RECOIVENT LA LEGION D'HONNEUR

Trois vétérans de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale du Vermont ont reçu ce lundi la Légion d'honneur, la plus haute distinction française. Le consul de France Fabien FIESCHI a en effet remis cette décoration à M. BRESLEND - M. PILUS et M. BERGERON. Donald BRESLEND et Harold BERGERON avaient participé à la bataille des Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), quant à Leonard PILUS il participa au débarquement à Omaha-Beach. (Extrait WCAX).

World War II veterans from Vermont received the highest decoration from France Monday.
Pride and Patriotism -- top military honors for three Vermont veterans who served in World War II. "The free world would not stand free if not for you," said Gov. Peter Shumlin.
The French Consulate, Honorable Fabien Fieschi came to Vermont to deliver the three vets the French Legion of Honor,  France's oldest and highest military award.  It's presented to those who helped liberate France from Nazi occupation. "Mr. Breslend, Mr. Pilus, Mr. Bergeron -- we are grateful to you for your heroic actions. In spite of constant exposure to danger, you and yours showed extraordinary courage and bravery throughout your service in France," Fieshchi said.
Eighty-eight year-old, Donald Breslend of Springfield was a combat infantryman from 1944-1946 and was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge.  He returned to service after treatment.
Ninety-eight year-old, Harold Bergeron of Essex Junction fought his way through France for three years to reach the Battle of the Bulge.  His company lost 800 men along the way. 
And 91-year-old Leonard Pilus, also of Essex Junction, was part of the first wave of servicemen to reach Omaha Beach on D-Day.  He spent ten days under enemy fire.
"Thank you for your courage and dedication.  It is truly a privilege to decorate you today with the Legion of Honor as a token of France's eternal gratitude," Fieshchi said.
Other veterans were honored Monday too. (Extract WCAX)