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 Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) will join with French Colonel Nicolas Auboin on January 5 at the Wyandot County Courthouse to present Fifth Congressional District of Ohio resident and World War II veteran, Clyde Shull, with the French Legion of Honor. The award is the highest accolade given by the French government and will be presented to Mr. Shull in recognition of his service during World War II. Mr. Shull was also recognized by French Ambassador François Delattre during his visit to Northwest Ohio earlier this year. 

“It is an honor to have been able to work with the French government to recognize Mr. Shull with this long-deserved decoration,” said Latta. “Mr. Shull exemplifies his generation and the monumental sacrifices they made during World War II, and in receiving the French Legion of Honor, he will be rightfully recognized for his service and dedication to our country.”

"Bestowing a Legion d'Honneur in the name of the President of the French Republic is always something special," said Colonel Auboin. "The circumstances here and now are even more specific. Mr. Shull is awarded the highest French decoration in recognition of his sacrifice and his support to the liberation of France, as well as for his contribution to establishing a long lasting peace in Europe. Through him, the French government wants to address the message to an entire generation of World War II veterans and the United States of America that France will never forget what they did in 1944. France also wishes that through this ceremony, this example of dedication and service will be an example for generations to come."

Media are invited to attend the event, but must RSVP to Sarah Criser. Details for the event include the following:

WHO: Congressman Bob Latta, French Colonel Nicolas Auboin and World War II Veteran Clyde Shull

WHAT: French Legion of Honor Presentation

WHEN: Monday, January 5, at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Wyandot County Courthouse, Common Pleas Courtroom, 109 S. Sandusky Avenue, Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351

About Mr. Shull

Mr. Shull was drafted into the military on February 9, 1942, and was stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. His service is the only time he has lived outside of what is today’s Fifth Congressional District of Ohio. He served in the Ninth Infantry Division, 34^th Field Artillery Battalion – one of the first to go onshore in North Africa.

During the D-Day invasion, Mr. Shull landed on Utah Beach, from where he fought through France, Belgium and Germany. His division participated in eight major battles throughout the war.

Mr. Shull was honorably discharged on June 21, 1945, and has remained active in the veterans community ever since. He is one of American Legion Post 225’s oldest members and has held numerous positions within the Post, including Commander and Finance Officer. He also served for 40 years on the Post’s Honor Guard and continues to serve on the Wyandot County Veteran Service Commission, of which he was selected and appointed in August 1985.

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