Five Australian World War II veterans today will be presented with France’s highest decoration, the Legion of Honour, during a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to mark the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

The Ambassador for France, His Excellency Mr Patrick Henault, will present Hamilton Connolly, Frederick Cowpe, Robert Cowper, Ian Hill-Smith and Laurence Turner with their medals in the presence of the Governor-General, His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery, and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Danna Vale.

Mrs Vale said 10 Australians would receive the Legion of Honour in recognition of Australia’s involvement in D-Day and the liberation of France.

“These veterans were among some 2500-3000 Australians who took part in operations on land, at sea and in the air in support of D-Day – the largest military operation in history,” Mrs Vale said.

“Although the number of Australians involved was small compared to other Allied nations, we take great pride in the significant role played by Australian personnel in the liberation of France.”

Three veterans will receive their Legion of Honour at a ceremony at Le Invalides in France on Saturday. Commodore Dacre Smyth will be presented with his Legion of Honour by the French President, Jacques Chirac, as a representative of all Australian D-Day veterans at an international ceremony at Arromanches on Sunday.

Five will receive their awards during today’s ceremony and special arrangements are being made for the presentation in Perth of his award to Mr Willis Wright, who was unable to travel to Canberra for today’s ceremony.

“We are grateful to the French Government for its decision to award the Legion of Honour to a representative group of Australian veterans,” Mrs Vale said.

“I am sure it will be a proud moment for all of the recipients as they accept their awards on behalf of all who served.

“Australia values its strong friendship with France, founded in the service of Australians who fought to liberate France in two world wars.

“Our friendship will be strengthened through this weekend’s ceremonies as we honour and remember those who served our countries.”

Media Contact: Claire Bannon 02 6277 7820 or 0423 781 896