 A U.S. Navy veteran was awarded the French National Order of the Legion of Honor at the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum on August 15th. The award is given by the French government and is the most distinguished honor in France. It was given to Oscar Russell of Biloxi for his service during the liberation of France in World War II. This honor comes 68 years after DJ when Russell landed with the first wave on the beaches of Normandy, France. It makes me feel proud that I could help give a nation freedom. Lieutenant Colonel Promotable Philippe Testart is the French liaison officer to the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning, Georgia. He said that he was honored to present the award to Russell. We usually say that it is an honor to be awarded a medal. Today is not true. It is an honor to be awarded a medal.