France Honors American Hero in Manatee County for WWII Service
On this historic day, May 8, 2025, we honored John Skeen — a 106-year-old U.S. Army veteran from Manatee County, Florida — as he received the French Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction, for his heroic role in the liberation of small towns in France during World War II. The medal was presented by the Consul General of France in Miami, Mr. Raphaël Trapp, in the presence of French General Nicolas Chabut. A powerful tribute to courage, memory, and Franco-American friendship.
