Amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) hosted a Legion of Honor ceremony as part of Fleet Week Port Everglades May 7.

More than 300 guests attended the ceremony honoring nine World War II American veterans who participated in at least one of the four main campaigns of the Liberation of France.

The award is France's highest and pays tribute to those who have provided exceptional service to France.

Awardees Charles Adderley, Kalman Bass, Edwin Blasingim, James Gilchrist, Robert Kampert, Sam Kornfeld, Arthur Kosa, James Lockshin and Calvin Landau became Knights of the Legion of Honor. The group joined notable Americans -- inventors Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell, Gen. Douglas MacArthur, astronomer Simon Newcomb, President Dwight D. Eisenhower and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Guest speaker Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, Commander, U.S. Southern Command, was honored to participate in the ceremony.

"You came from different backgrounds, different experiences," said Tidd. "You were ordinary men who became part of something extraordinary. In countlesss battles, large and small, you changed the course of history."

Adm. Tidd recognized the close ties that unite the two countries, calling France America's oldest friend.

"We celebrate a bond of our two countries," said Tidd. "A bond that has endured over two centuries, France is our first ally. More than 240 years ago you helped us win our independence, more than 70 years ago we helped you regain your independence. We owe our freedom to each other."

Consulate General of France Phillipe Letrilliart honored the nine veterans by saying each of their names and recognizing them all as heroes, thanking them personally for coming to the shores of France and fighting to restore democracy and freedom in Europe.

"This ceremony is about you and what you have done," said Letrilliart. "We recognize the actions of our nine veterans and through you we remember and honor your comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is important to remember what these men did and the lives lost, to tell your children about their feats so that it is never forgotten."

All nine men, now in their 90s, saw action in the European campaign with almost all of them fighting in the battle at Normandy. The men helped bring WWII to an end and halt Nazi aggression on the continent and abroad.

Before pinning the medals on the lapels of the men, Nicole Hirsh, vice president, American Society of the French Legion of Honor, told the veterans she is proud to count them among the members of the society of the French Legion of Honor.

"Wear the red ribbon proudly," said Hirsh. "From now on, this to remind you of France's eternal gratitude and important part you played in this liberation."

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