FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2018) – Retired Army Lt. Col. William F. Pollard, a 100-year-old Henry County native, received France's highest recognition today at a ceremony hosted by Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes and Consul General of France Guillaume Lacroix.
Pollard served as a 25-year-old lieutenant during the battles of Normandy and Northern France.
"Lt. Col. Pollard is a true American hero – and now recognized as a hero in the eyes of the people of France," said Grimes. "He was one of the first soldiers to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day at the start of the battle of Normandy. His efforts furthered the fight to help preserve freedom and quell the volleys of evil. We owe him our eternal thanks and join France in recognizing his selfless service."
Pollard and his family attended the ceremony held in Kentucky's Capitol Rotunda for the pinning of the French Legion of Honor medal by Consul General Lacroix. Pollard thanked French President Emmanuel Macron, Consul General Lacroix, Secretary Grimes, and several others for their part in recognizing him with the French Legion of Honor medal.
"It is the honor of a lifetime that France has chosen me for the Legion of Honor, a gift from the French government my family and I will always cherish," Pollard said. "Today I am both happy and sad, happy for this great honor but sad as I think of the many soldiers now gone who were with me throughout the war. I also wish my late wife, Neil MaGruder Pollard, could be with me today. We were married for 71 years and, except for Korea, she travelled with me throughout my Army career. My thoughts today are with her and my comrades from those many years ago."
"Lt. Col. Pollard is a hero of two nations. The French people will never forget the sacrifice of the brave men and women of America during World War II," said Lacroix. "In serving their nation, they saved my country. From Yorktown to the beaches of Normandy, France and America have stood together and continue to."
Pollard now resides in Prospect.
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