Paul Grassey /World War II B-24 Pilot/Awarded French Legion of Honor
On January 28, 2020, at The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, B-24 pilot, Paul Grassey was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal, by Mr. Vincent Hommeril, Consul General of France (headquartered in Atlanta, GA). This award was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802! Since 2004, American veterans who risked their lives during World War II, and who fought in one of the four campaigns for the liberation of France, have become eligible for the Legion of Honor award.
Paul Grassey dropped out of college in his sophomore year at Virginia Tech to enlist in the Army Air Corps. He received his wings after training in Arkansas and was assigned to B-24s. During the war, while stationed in England, he flew a total of 13 combat missions through those hostile skies.
This was a great occasion for Paul, witnessed by a large crowd of family (including wife Nancy) and friends, there to see him honored in this way. Paul Grassey is 96-years-old, with a sharp mind and a fine singing voice. He continues to make presentations to student and community groups on the distinguished history of the Might 8th Air Force, and about veterans issues, as well.