Overview:
• 103-year-old U.S. Army veteran Richard Stewart was honored in Normandy, France, receiving the French Legion of Honor Medal during the D-Day commemoration.
• He was among 11 American D-Day veterans to receive this highest French decoration, presented by French President Macron. Stewart, a Signal Corps member, was one of about 2,000 African American soldiers in the invasion.
• All expenses were covered by the nonprofit Best Defense Foundation, which aims to support veterans and their families.
By Larry Davis and Mike O’Connor
Another chapter in the inspiring life of 103-year-old Richard Stewart was written this past June 6 in Normandy, France, where the U.S. Army veteran was bestowed the French Legion of Honor Medal during the 80th anniversary commemoration of World War II’s D-Day invasion. In 1944, when Mr. Stewart, then an army private, hit the beaches of Normandy, he helped make history not only for his country, but for freedom in a larger sense. As a member of the Signal Corps, he was among only about 2,000 African American soldiers to take part in the invasion. Eighty years later to the exact date, the Lincoln Heights resident became one of 11 American D-Day veterans to receive the Legion Of Honor Medal – France’s highest decoration – during an emotional ceremony at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach.
The medal was presented to Mr. Stewart by French President Emmanuel Macron at the observance, which also included U.S. President Joe and First Lady Jill Biden, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and numerous other world leaders.
U.S. Army Veteran Richard Stewart, 103, of Lincoln Heights, was bestowed the French Legion of Honor Medal by French President Emmanuel Macron (at left) in Normandy, France, during the 80th anniversary commemoration of World War II’s D-Day invasion. Credit: Best Defense Foundation 
U.S. Army Veteran Richard Stewart receives first-class service as he attends D-Day ceremonies in France. Credit: Best Defense Foundation 
American veterans who participated in the D-Day invasion in Normandy, France, gather at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport for their send off to the anniversary ceremonies in France. Credit: Best Defense Foundation 
Mr. Stewart is shown in front at right during the D-Day ceremonies. Credit: Best Defense Foundation 
Veterans of the D-Day invasion are greeted by crowds showing their appreciation as they travel through Normandy, France, on D-Day. Credit: Best Defense Foundation 
During a solemn moment, U.S. Army Veteran Richard Stewart, of Lincoln Heights, visits the American Cemetery at Normandy, France, during D-Day observances. Credit: Best Defense Foundation
Mr. Stewart returned home June 12 on a Delta Airlines flight at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Members of the public and the news media were able to welcome him upon his arrival in the “Meet and Greet” area.
The June 6 ceremonies marked the second year in a row that Mr. Stewart was selected by the nonprofit Best Defense Foundation to be among fellow veterans honored during D-Day events in Normandy. All expenses were covered by the Best Defense Foundation in partnership with Delta Airlines, The Boeing Co. and Michelin North America Inc. The foundation’s mission is to help veterans and their families. Since 2018, it has provided “Battlefield Return” programs to Iwo Jima, Belgium, the Eagle’s Nest, Guam, Tinian and Saipan, Normandy and Germany. For more information, visit: bestdefensefoundation.org.