Ocean City WWII Vet Earns High Honor From French Consulate

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Francis McCormac's radio messages became critical in stopping Nazi efforts. The U.S. Army veteran, who lives in Ocean City, also helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp.

Members of the French Consulate presented McCormac with their highest honor Tuesday — Chevalier (Knight) of France’s National Order of the Legion of Honor.

"His strength and courage were instrumental in the strategic missions that led to an Allied victory," the French Consulate in New York said in a statement.

The World War II veteran received the honor on Bastille Day — the national day of France which commemorates the Storming of the Bastille, a turning point in the French Revolution.

During his time at war, McCormac helped install and maintain the radio equipment used in military communication during the Northern France, Ardennes and Rhineland campaigns. He also fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Congressman Jeff Van Drew visited and congratulated McCormac on Tuesday.

"This is a special achievement and I am proud to have shared this day with you," Van Drew wrote on social media. "Thank you for your service to our great Nation."

Governor Phil Murphy also congratulated McCormac.

The Legion of Honor is the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits. Napoleon Bonaparte founded the award in 1802.

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