11 US veterans given Legion of Honour by French president on D-Day anniversary

Emmanuel Macron greets a Second World War veteran (Evan Vucci/AP)

French President Emmanuel Macron has awarded 11 US veterans with the Legion of Honour, France’s highest distinction, during commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“You came here because the free world needed each and every one of you, and you answered the call,” he told them.

“You came here to make France a free nation. You’re back here today at home, if I may say.”

The men are now aged 98 to 104.

Mr Macron kissed each veteran on both cheeks and greeted them warmly as he pinned medals on their lapels.

Among the men was Hilbert Margol, who joined an artillery battalion that operated in eastern France. He was part of US forces that went on to liberate the Dachau concentration camp in Germany.

Another, Ray Tweedel, landed by sea in Normandy on the night of June 8 1944, and took part in the war as an oil tanker and ambulance driver.