Hartwell World War II Veteran Receives French Legion of Honor Medal
A Hartwell man and World War II veteran is being honored today by the French Government for his service in helping liberate France from the Nazis.
Arthur B. Mohor, Jr., 91, is among twelve veterans and three Northeast Georgians who will be in Atlanta today to receive the National Order of the Legion of Honor medal.
The medal is being bestowed to express France’s “eternal gratitude” to those Georgia veterans who took part in liberating the country from Nazi control between 1944-45.
Veterans must have fought in one of the four main campaigns of the Liberation of France: Normandy, Provence, Ardennes, or Northern France.
Recipients of this honor are designated by the President of the Republic, François Hollande.
Mohor was a Staff Sergeant, in the U.S. Army’s 302nd Infantry Regiment, 94th Division during the war and was among the troops who landed on Normandy Beach, which signaled the beginning of the end of the war and the liberation of France. However, he said Monday that was not the only time he landed on Normandy Beach.
“Twice. I was there twice,” he said. “The first time was in 1940 and then again in 1945. I wasn’t there with the paratroopers so that made it easier for us. They were there several hours before us. So that made it easy because they (Germans) were falling back and we were moving ahead. And they recognized that. So that made it easier.”
Mohor, who no longer drives, will be taken down to Atlanta by his children, one of whom recently retired from a career in the military.
State Representative Alan Powell , a Hartwell native as well, said he’s proud of Mohor’s service, calling it an honor to all of the veterans who served.
“A belated honor is never out of style,” Powell said. “So many of our veterans, not just of WWII, but other wars, have never been recognized or received their commendations or medals for their heroic service during a time of war. And at 91, it’s such a special event to be honored for all of the sacrifices that he made.”
The Consul General of France in Atlanta, Denis Barbet, will bestow the Legion of Honor in a special ceremony.
Two other Northeast Georgia WWII veterans, Harry T. Catchpole of Bogart and Henry R. Petree of Bethlehem will also receive medals today.
Founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the National Order of the Legion of Honor is the highest honor in France.
It recognizes eminent services to the French Republic. Foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds may receive a distinction from the Legion of Honor.
American veterans who risked their lives during World War II and who fought on French territory qualify to be decorated as Knights of the Legion of Honor.