LFP resident awarded the French Legion of Honor

Sergeant Martinson holds some of the medals he earned in combat. On top is the "Combat Infantryman's Badge which can only be worn by a soldier who has served in combat. To the left below the badge is the "Bronze Star" which is awarded for exceptional bravery in combat. On the bottom left is his Expert Rifleman's Badge.

Text and photos by Jerry Pickard

On Saturday, March 28, 2015. long-time Lake Forest Park resident Staff Sergeant Robert A. "Bob" Martinson was conferred as a "Chevalier" in the National Order of the Legion of Honor of the nation of France, seventy years after the war in Europe ended.

This is the highest award that the nation of France awards to non-citizens. At age ninety Sergeant Martinson is in poor health and at present is residing in ManorCare Lynnwood, while he recovers from an injury for which he will have surgery.

Part of the proclamation from France reads:

This award is made in recognition of the brave American soldiers who arrived first across the beaches at Normandie in June 1944, into a foreign land, going forward into territory they had never seen before in order to free the world from the Nazi domination. We celebrate today the unforgettable sacrifice that you and your brothers-in-arms made more than 70 years ago to raise the flag of Freedom.

Read the entire proclamation

Mayor Mary Jane Goss of Lake Forest Park visited with Sergeant Bob after the awards ceremony was over. Sergeant Martinson is a long time resident of Lake Forest Park and raised his family here.

Shoreline Area News reporter Jerry Pickard (American Legion), Chevalier Bob Martinson, and Commander Richard Martinson.

Read Bob Martinson's first hand account of his war experiences.