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Over seven decades since he last heard the sounds of battle, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914 Intrepid West Mifflin was awarded France’s highest distinction to honor his military service April 29.

Honorary Consul of France in Pittsburgh, Jean-Dominique Le Garrec, right, congratulates World War II veteran Glenn E. Kempf on being awarded the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor. (Photo credit: Michael P. Mauer).

Flanked by family members and surrounded by fellow members of his community and young cadets, the 91-year-old former soldier stood at attention once again as the medal was pinned to his jacket.

Glenn E. Kempf, a West Mifflin resident, has been named Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the French Republic. He received the award for his actions as a soldier in the United States Army while serving in Normandy and the Ardennes.

Kempf’s combat duties began while assigned to the 45th Field Hospital as a medical technician. He landed in Normandy June 7, 1944, on Omaha Beach. He also participated in the Battle of the Bulge.

According to Kempf, the memory of his service is still strong after more than 70 years.

"We were the first field hospital to land at Omaha Beach," Kempf said. “When we landed, boats were still exploding on mines and artillery shells were falling around us.”

Kempf stayed with his unit throughout the war until his discharge Dec. 12, 1945. Among the other awards and decorations Kempf earned for his military service are the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five battle stars, the World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

The letter Kempf received from the French Embassy notifying him of his selection for the Legion of Honor echoed favorably to his other military tributes.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express the French Government’s deepest gratitude for your courage,” said Franck Roy, chief of staff to the French ambassador to the United States. “We are forever grateful to the men and women who fought for our freedom and to whom we owe it today.”

Kempf had been invited to receive his award during a formal ceremony to be held at the French Embassy in Washington, DC April 15, but because of his age and health, VFW Post 914 was requested by his family to try and make arrangements to have his medal presented in West Mifflin. The Honorary Consul of France in Pittsburgh, Jean-Dominique Le Garrec, presented Kempf the Chevalier of the Legion of Honor on behalf of Michel Charbonnier, Consul General of France, at the Westwood Golf Club during the West Mifflin Area High School Air Force JROTC Military Ball Banquet.  Kempf received the medal April 29 at the Westwood Golf Club during the West Mifflin Area High School Air Force JROTC Military Ball Banquet.

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