BELHAVEN, N.C. (WITN) – A man in the east is being honored for his positive impact on French history.
105-year-old Roscoe Joyner received the National Order of the Legion of Honor award from a member of the Consul General of France on Thursday in Belhaven.
Recipients include American servicemembers who risked their lives fighting on French soil during World War II.
Joyner says he is humbled by the distinction.
“It was a really surprise,” says Joyner. It was an honor and I appreciate it. I appreciate it for somebody that thought that much of me.”
Joyner was born on March 11th, 1919. Assigned to General Patton’s Third Army, he participated in combat operations that began with neutralizing German batteries along the Moselle River in September 1944.
Joyner’s son, David Joyner says it’s hard to express in words the amount of pride he has for his dad.
“The more I talk to my father over the decades riding around in his truck and him telling me stories of his experiences, the more I realize what a great sacrifice he made,” says Joyner.
Officials say the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, designates recipients of the Legion of Honor.
Joyner says he would fight again if he had the chance.
“I did what I was told to do and it was an honor and I am proud that I had the pleasure of serving,” Joyner said.
Officials say the award and France’s highest decoration was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
In July 1941, Joyner and 23 men from Spring Hope, North Carolina answered our nation’s call and enlisted in the United States Army.
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