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Re: WW II POW Gives Medals Back to France

From: POW-MIA InterNetwork

Date: March 21, 2003

"D-Day veteran returns medal given by France

WASHINGTON -- A World War II veteran who was decorated by the French government for his D-Day bravery returned his medal Friday to protest what he called the country's cowardice for opposing the war in Iraq.

"I did my share, my part, to liberate the country from Hitler, and this is the way that they repay me," said George Wilson, 80, laying down the rainbow-beribboned Jubilee of Liberty medal at the gate of the French Embassy.

Wilson, who lives in Bethlehem, Pa., was wounded in the arm as troops stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944. He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was captured by the Nazis and held as a prisoner of war for more than four months.

He and other D-Day veterans were given the French medal in 1994 to mark the 50th anniversary.

On Friday, embassy officials refused to accept Wilson's medal, but invited him inside to talk to Ambassador Jean-David Levitte. Wilson said he would not go unless accompanied by reporters -- which embassy spokeswoman Agnes Vondermuhll would not allow.

"No one will take the medal from me? Well, I'm going to put it on French soil," said Wilson, who was wearing a Purple Heart Society windbreaker decorated with 14 U.S. military medals and a combat infantry badge.

"Keep it for the French people," implored Vondermuhll.

"No, no, no. That would be hypocritical of me," Wilson replied.

Wilson's was the second Jubilee medal to be returned to the embassy.

"We are very sad that the disagreement we have on how to disarm Iraq could hurt feelings of American people -- especially of veterans," Vondermuhll said. "It's with great emotion that we see an honorable veteran give the medal back. We are very sad today."

The episode at the embassy gates ended amicably -- and with a two-cheeked kiss from the French.

"You and I are still friends, I hope. Give me a kiss," Wilson told Vondermuhll.

"Yes, yes," she replied.

© 2003 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution"