A quiet D-Day hero who never fired a shot will soon receive France’s top military medal, according to the Finger Lakes Times.
Addison “Cal” Sheckler, 102, will receive the French Legion of Honor on Jan. 23 in Phelps. He served as a U.S. Army Signal Corps master sergeant during World War II and helped establish secure communications between Washington and the Normandy beachhead after D-Day.
Sheckler’s technical work with undersea and multiplex cables allowed Allied leaders to coordinate operations in Europe. French officials will present the medal, recognizing deeds that directly supported France’s liberation. Family, veterans, and civic leaders plan to attend the ceremony hosted by the local American Legion.
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