Local veteran receives France's highest honor

  • Published
  • By Erica Harrah
  • Wright-Patterson AFB Skywrighter staff
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  One of America's heroes was presented with France's highest honor July 13.

Col. (ret.) Byron Lee Schatzley was presented with the Knight of the Legion of Honor medal for his service as bombardier in the 558th Bomb Squadron of the 38th Bomb Group during World War II.

Created by Napolean Bonaparte on May 19, 1802, the medal is bestowed upon both military and non-military people to recognize outstanding bravery or achievement in service to France.

Air Force Institute of Technology Commandant Brig. Gen. Walter Givhan made the medal presentation and read a citation on behalf of the Republic of France which stated, "Thanks to the courage of these soldiers, to our American friends and allies, France has been living in peace for the past six decades. They saved us and we will never forget."

After the presentation Colonel Schatzley expressed his gratitude for the sacrifices of those who made it possible for him to be alive today to receive the honor.

"Whatever heroism ascribed to us (Legion of Honor members) should be ascribed to them. They...made it easy for people like me," Colonel Schatzley said.
 
Colonel Schatzley retired from the Air Force in 1972 after 30 years of service which included combat missions as a B-26 Marauder bombardier, a number of defense and mapping assignments and command of the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center in St. Louis, Mo. He also served as director of Wright-Patterson's Retiree Activities office and continues to volunteer there.