Charles Shay, a member of the Penobscot Nation of Maine, received France's top honor on Tuesday for his service in World War II.
Shay, 83, went to Washington, D.C., to receive the Legion of Honor medal from French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Shay said it was the "pinnacle" of his life.
"You are a direct descendant of Chief Joseph Orono, who was an ally of George Washington during the independence war," Sarkozy told Shay at the ceremony, The Bangor Daily News reported. "You are also the grandson of the French Jean-Vincent d’Abadie, Baron of Saint-Castin. And thus, the links that tie you to France hark back until the 17th century. In fact, you’ve been a Frenchman for far longer than I."
Shay also served in the Korean War. He lives on the Indian Island Reservation.
Get the Story:Penobscot elder receives France's highest honor (The Bangor Daily News 11/7) Relevant Links:
Chancery of the Légion d'honneur - http://www.legiondhonneur.fr/shared/fr/actus/factu.html Related Stories:
Penobscot man to receive France's highest honor (11/6)
Sioux woman receives France's highest military honor (06/15)
