Brentwood Home Page news reports
Brentwood resident Robert P. Mechling, right, was one of 15 American World War II veterans from across the Southeast region to receive the Legion of Honor from France on Thursday.

Mechling served as a Captain, 8th Army Air Force,, during the war.

The National Order of the Legion of Honor, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, is the highest honor in France.

In order to express France's eternal gratitude to those who liberated it from oppression from 1944-45, the Consul General of France in Atlanta, Pascal Le Deunff, bestowed the Legion of Honor on the 15 veterans in a ceremony in Atlanta.

The Legion of Honor recognizes eminent services to the French Republic. Recipients of this honor are designated by the President of the Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy. All the veterans received this award in recognition of their courage.