U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has congratulated Cecil Hart of Union, South Carolina, for receiving the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction. The award was presented at a ceremony on Hilton Head Island in recognition of Hart’s service during World War II.
“Congratulations to South Carolina native Cecil Hart on this well-deserved honor. I also appreciate the French government recognizing Mr. Hart for his heroic service in World War II, not only to liberate France, but also to save the rest of the world.
“Thank you to everyone involved in making today’s ceremony a success. I commend the determination of those who refuse to allow the sacrifice of the Greatest Generation to be forgotten,” Graham said.
According to France’s Consul General in Atlanta, Hart was born on January 31, 1925, and grew up in a farming family before enlisting in the U.S. Army on April 2, 1943. He served as an ambulance driver with Company A of the 36th Medical Battalion.
During his deployment, Hart’s division suffered heavy losses when attacked by a German U-Boat while crossing the English Channel. On D-Day—June 6, 1944—Hart participated in the Northern France campaign and risked his life as part of efforts to liberate France from occupation. He left military service on February 2, 1946.
Hart received several military decorations for his actions: WWII Victory Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater with one Bronze Star and a Good Conduct Medal.
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