Two World War II veterans received France’s highest distinction at a ceremony held at the French Consulate in Beverly Hills on May 20. First Lieutenant Fernando Torres, 98, served under the U.S. Army Reserves when he landed on Omaha Beach on June 7, 1945, as a part of Operation Overlord, or D-Day. A few days later, Private First Class Oscar Stein, now 97, landed on the same beach under the auspices of the U.S. Army.
“To confer such a medal to an individual is thus a most solemn occasion and is a way in which France pays tribute to remarkable men and women,” said French Consul General Julie Duhaut-Bedos before bestowing France’s highest honor on the two men. “Today, in the name of the French republic, and in front of your families and friends, I want to assure you that we have not forgotten your personal commitment 77 years ago and we have remained grateful. We owe you our freedom.”
