France honors WWII Texas vets with Legion of Honor

The French government has awarded that nation’s highest decoration to four West Texas veterans for their service during the liberation of France in World War II.

The French consul in Houston, Frederic Bontems, traveled to El Paso decorate Lt. Col. Bob Chisolm, Staff Sgt. Armando Sambrano and Pfc. Angel Romero with the Legion of Honor. First Lt. William Elger was unable to attend the ceremony due to health reasons.

France awards the Legion of Honor to all who can prove they served in World War II in battles to liberate the country.

Bontems says “it is high time France recognized the sacrifice they made.”

The veterans, who are now in their late 80’s, also received gifts and praises from representatives of U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.