Hartwell Veteran Receives French Honor

By MJ Kneiser, WLHR Radio, Hartwell

A Hartwell man and World War II veteran is honored by the French Government for his service in helping liberate France from the Nazis.

91-year old Arthur Mohor was among twelve veterans and three Northeast Georgians who were in Atlanta Tuesday to receive the National Order of the Legion of Honor medal.

The medal is being bestowed to express France’s “eternal gratitude” to those Georgia veterans who took part in liberating the country from Nazi control from 1944 to 1945.

Veterans must have fought in one of the four main campaigns of the Liberation of France: Normandy, Provence, Ardennes, or Northern France.

Recipients of this honor are designated by the President of the French Republic.

Mohor was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army’s 302nd Infantry Regiment, 94th Division during the war and was among the troops who landed on the beaches at Normandy.

“Twice. I was there twice,” he said. “The first time was in 1940 and then again in 1945. I wasn’t there with the paratroopers so that made it easier for us. They were there several hours before us. So that made it easy because they (Germans) were falling back and we were moving ahead. And they recognized that. So that made it easier.”

Mohor, who no longer drives, was taken down to Atlanta by his children, one of whom recently retired from a career in the military.

Hart County State Representative Alan Powell said he’s proud of Mohor’s service, calling it an honor to all of the veterans who served.

“A belated honor is never out of style,” Powell said. “So many of our veterans, not just of WWII, but other wars, have never been recognized or received their commendations or medals for their heroic service during a time of war. And at 91, it’s such a special event to be honored for all of the sacrifices that he made.”

The Consul General of France in Atlanta bestowed the Legion of Honor in a special ceremony.

Two other Northeast Georgia WWII veterans, Harry T. Catchpole of Bogart and Henry R. Petree of Bethlehem, also received medals.

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.

Also, foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds may receive a distinction from the Legion of Honor.

American veterans who risked their lives during World War II and who fought on French territory qualify to be decorated as Knights of the Legion of Honor.