ASHLAND - A World War II veteran who recently received France's highest honor was recognized by his fellow veterans Saturday at American Legion Bernard J. Dolan Post 434.
John L. "Jack" Stitzer, Gordon, received a framed letter congratulating him on receiving a medal as a "Chevalier" (Knight) of the Legion of Honor, France's highest honor, during a ceremony May 8 at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. He and 14 other World War II veterans, including Angelo J. "Abe" Barone, Pottsville, received medals and certificates from Olivier Serot Almeras, consul general of France. At the time, both men from Schuylkill County were unaware of their presence during the ceremony.
Stitzer served with the 159th Engineer Combat Battalion. Most soldiers in the battalion were from Pennsylvania and Tennessee. When Stitzer reached Europe, he arrived in Scotland on July 4, 1944, then landed in France on July 20, about six weeks after D-Day. Stitzer served in Third Army, which was commanded by Gen. George S. Patton.
Stitzer participated in the effort to relieve the 101st Airborne Division, which was defending the Belgian town of Bastogne against the siege by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge, when he was wounded.
The Legion post had conducted its Unserviceable Flag Ceremony, also called a flag retirement ceremony, at Memorial Field at noon Saturday, which was followed by a spaghetti dinner for veterans at the post home. Stitzer is a post member and was invited to the dinner, but was not informed that there would be a presentation to him.
As Stitzer was preparing to leave after dinner, he was called to the front by post Chaplain/Service Officer Thomas C. Dando, who spoke of his recent visit with his family to Normandy.
"It made me think of you and your service," Dando said to Stitzer. "The members of this Legion decided to do this for you."
Dando read the following: "On this Fourteenth day of June in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Fourteen, we, the members of the Ashland American Legion, hereby congratulate John L. Stitzer for receiving a Medal as a 'Chevalier' (Knight) of the Legion of Honor at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. on 8 May 2014. This is France's highest honor. We appreciate your sacrifices for your country, especially on the days of combat following the D-Day invasion. These effort by you and your comrades should never be forgotten. We are proud to have you as a member of American Legion Post 434 and thank you for your service during World War II.
"Jack, we salute you."
The letter was signed by Dando and post Commander Daniel E. Weikel.
"Well, you certainly got me again," Stitzer said with a smile. "About the only thing I can say is that I accept this commendation for all members, past and present. I don't know what else to say. I do appreciate this. And as I said, I accept it for all veterans."
After his photograph was taken, Stitzer said jokingly, "People think I'm Sergeant York."