Willaston World War Two Veteran, William ‘Reg’ Archer was awarded the Legion of Honour Medal at a special ceremony held during the week at the Gawler RSL.
The medal was formally presented to the former RAF bombardier, by Wing Commander Michael Reidy, Commanding Officer of the RAAF 462 Squadron at Edinburgh, for services to the French nation during World War II.
Local Member Mr Tony Piccolo said it was a great honour to assist the veteran with the process of obtaining the medal, who was born in Rugby, England on 8 June 1925.
“As the medal is awarded by the French Republic and Reg was serving in the Royal Air Force, my office had to liaise with the French Embassy in Canberra and the Ministry of Defence in the UK,” Mr Piccolo said.
“We were so pleased when we were notified that the request had been approved, and Reg would be awarded the French decoration of “Chevalier dans l’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur,” he said.
In a letter to Mr Archer confirming the award, the Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy in Australia, Ms Julie Duhaut-Bedos said, “I am delighted with this decision which recognises your outstanding services during the Second World War”.
“This is France’s way to express our gratitude toward those who risked their lives for the Liberation of France,” Ms Duhaut-Bedos said.
Mr Archer received his medal at a special Gawler RSL Ceremony attended by family, friends and number of returned service men including 101 year old, Sid Ey, 93 year old, Doug Dunbar and relative youngster, 91 year old Ron Norman amongst many others.
Mr Archer was only 18 years old when he joined the RAF on 24 January 1943 at Arc Street, Johns Woos in London.
Mr Archer was crewmember on a number of flights over France as part of Squadron 227 Bomber Command, 5 Group, and retired in 1947 with the rank of Flight Sergeant.
Mr Archer said he was proud to support the liberation of France. Mr Archer was accompanied to the award ceremony by his partner Enid and close friend Ms Kay Koch.