2 World War I Veterans to Get Top French Honor

Two World War I veterans will receive France’s highest honor, the Legion of Honor, Wednesday at the French consul general’s home in Beverly Hills.

The two recipients are Albert Willard, 101, of Sherman Oaks and Fred Roberts, 102, of Temple City, said Yo-Jung Chen, vice consul at the French Consulate in Westwood.

The men are being recognized for their service in France during World War I and to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of that war.

Nationwide, there are about 3,200 American World War I veterans. Many are approaching 100, said Robert Johnson, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and an honorary member of the Veterans of World War I of the USA.

So far this year, 27 Americans have been designated to receive the Legion of Honor for their World War I service, Johnson said.

Willard joined the war effort in 1918, serving in an Army engineering unit that blew up bridges.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said Willard’s stepdaughter, Sylvia Long. “When you’re 101, there are not too many things that excite you anymore. [Willard] was real happy.”