Hon. Leonard Wurzel Awarded 'Chevalier' of the Legion d’Honneur

This article was posted by Adina Genn. It was written by Jean-Marie Posner.
On Friday, May 10, by decree of French President Francois Hollande, seven World War II American Veterans were awarded the Insiginia of Chevalier (a Knight) of the Legion of Honor, and among them was former mayor of Sands Point, Leonard Wurzel. They were decorated by the Consul General of France, Mr. Bertrand Lortholary, and by Mr. Guy Wildenstein, president of The American Society of the French Legion of Honor, at the Consulate General of France in New York on the occasion of the anniversary of the end of WW II. 

The Legion of Honor (1) is France’s highest distinction and was created to honor extraordinary contributions to the country. There is only a small number of Legion of Honor medals awarded each year in the United States, so great care is taken to nominate only those with the most distinguished records. U.S. veterans, who served during World War II on French territory, may be awarded this distinction. Those selected are appointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor, and the medal is not awarded posthumously. 

During 2011, Hon. Leonard Wurzel was encouraged by friends and family to submit an application to the Legion of Honor. Initially intended to recognize French military service, the award criteria was expanded to recognize contributions in various disciplines of civil life. The award now recognizes entrepreneurs, high-level civilian servants, sport champions, and even filmmakers in addition to members of the French military. Leonard meets all the criteria, and is a military veteran who served for almost five years in the United States Army, including a year on French territory in the U.S. headquarters in Normandy and Paris with an outstanding military record.

The Legion of Honor evaluation committee is located in Paris, and coordinates the application process through the French Embassy in Washington and the French Foreign Affairs ministry. The Legion of Honor committee may approve or reject candidates. The evaluation process involved a detailed list of Leonard’s military records, while serving in Paris, and the awards earned during his entire military career.

The Legion of Honor was created by Emperor Napoleon on May 19, 1802, to acknowledge services to France by persons of exceptional merit. The French people vow to never forget the courage and devotion to the great cause of freedom. This award testifies President Hollande’s high esteem for Leonard’s merits and accomplishments. In particular, it is a sign of France’s infinite gratitude and appreciation for his personal and precious contribution to the United State’s decisive role in the liberation of France during World War II.

Hon. Wurzel’s wife, Elaine, and their sons, Mark and Larry, witnessed the ceremony and presentation of the award. According to Leonard, “I am honored to receive this award 68 years after my military assignment in Paris, at which time I was only 26 years of age. The Legion of Honor award is not only being presented to me, but to my entire family, friends and the community that I cherish so much.” 

(1) The badge of the Légion is a five-armed "Maltese Cross" in silver gilt (for chevalier) enamelled white, with an enamelled laurel and oak wreath between the arms. The obverse central disc is in gilt, featuring the head of Marianne, surrounded by the legend République Française on a blue enamel ring. The reverse central disc is also in gilt, with a set of crossed tricolores, surrounded by the Légion's motto Honneur et Patrie (Honour and Fatherland) and its foundation date on a blue enamel ring. The badge is suspended by an enamelled laurel and oak wreath.