Suwanee WWII Veteran To Be Honored by France

A World War II veteran from Suwanee will be among those honored by France in a ceremony next month in Smyrna.

Henry Freedman of Suwanee, who was a technician fourth grade in the 422nd Infantry regiment, will be receiving the Legion of Honor at the American Legion Post in Smyrna on Sept. 7. The award is being bestowed because of servicemen's efforts in liberating France from German control in 1944-45, according to a media release by the France Consul General's Office in Atlanta.

Pascal Le Deunff, France's consul general in Atlanta, will present the award, which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. The ceremony is set for 2 p.m., Sept. 7 at the American Legion post, 160 Legion Drive SE, Smyrna 30080.

Others from throughout the Southeast who will receive the award are:

Donald Van Roosen, Pinehurst, N.C.; Hubert Aaron; Crawford, Ga.; Joseph J. Hammonds; Thomaston, Ga.; Thomas Parsons, Decatur, Ga.; James Wright, Millington, TN; James McKinley, Perry, Ga.; Ralph Ardito, Adairsville, Ga.; Leon Barnett from Marietta, Ga.; Robert Spooner, Atlanta; Venson Abercrombie, Mineral Bluff, Ga.; Elmer Evans; Knoxville, Tenn.; Reuben Downer, Atlanta; John Ogden, Dundee, Miss.;  Emmitt Dooley, Summerville, Ga.