Brentwood Home Page news reports
A World War II veteran from Brentwood will be among an esteemed group to receive the Legion of Honor, France’s highest honor, on Jan. 12.

 The Consul General of France in Atlanta, Pascal Le Deunff, will bestow the award to Robert P. Mechling, and 17 other American WWII veterans from across the Southeast region in a ceremony on Jan. 12 at the Lenox Building in Atlanta.

Mechling served as a Captain in the 8th Army Air Force.

Founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the National Order of the Legion of Honor is the highest honor in France. It recognizes eminent services to the French Republic. Recipients of this honor are designated by the President of the Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy.  France is honoring the WWII veterans to show its eternal gratitude to those who liberated it from oppression from in 1944-45, according to information released from the consulate. 

Joseph Thompson Jr. from Nashville, a major in the 109th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron Army Air Force, is also being honored.