The veterans of World War II deserve all the recognition that comes their way, and tribute for their service and sacrifices continues even as those days recede in history.

This week a former soldier of the 79th Infantry Division will be embraced by the French government, honored for his bravery and  the injuries he suffered as the Allies fought to defeat the Third Reich and free France from occupation. Elvert “Buck” Pooler of Sanford will receive the Légion d’Honneur in recognition for his service to France.

He joined the division’s 313th Infantry Regiment on Omaha Beach just after D-Day in June of 1944, and was with them through attacks and counterattacks from Normandy to the German border. His combat career ended with a head wound (from which he fully recovered) just miles from Germany in the Alsace-Lorraine village of Haguenau.

During that fateful summer, the 79th Infantry faced elite German Panzer units ordered to stop the Allied advance. According to the Consulate of France in Boston, units of the 79th took part in brutal house-to-house fighting in villages on the Normandy peninsula. The division fought across France through July and August, and encountered stiff resistance in Alsace-Lorraine through the fall.

In the summer and fall of 1944, many Americans became casualties in the fight for freedom on French soil. In continuing to honor this sacrifice, the government and people of France show their high regard for an alliance that has persisted, despite difficulties, for generations.

The award of the Légion d’Honneur to Elvert Pooler tomorrow will be welcome recognition for his service and sacrifice. It is also one of many gestures of continuing friendship and respect between the U.S. and France.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com.