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WWII
93-year-old Irish veteran awarded Legion d'Honneur
The award is France’s highest military honour.
THE LOOK ON Irish veteran Michael d’Alton was one of quiet pride as he made his way to receive his Legion d’Honneur yesterday.
The 93-year-old is one of Ireland’s last surviving veterans of the D-Day landings. He was a sub-lieutenant and second in command on board of a landing craft on that fateful day.
He joined the Royal Navy in 1942, following in his father’s footsteps – his dad fought in WWI.
He attended the ceremony on board the French navy vessel Somme at Dublin Port yesterday, accompanied by his daughter Sonda and son Mark.
The Legion d’Honneur is France’s highest military honour. d’Alton was presented with it by the French Ambassador, Jean Pierre-Thébault.
In December, another Irish veteran, Patrick Gillen (89), was also given the Legion d’Honneur, and dedicated it to all of his comrades who did not survive WWII.
He was just 18 years old when he enlisted. Sadly, two weeks later, Pat passed away.
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