Watch CBS News

Hutchinson Veteran Receives France's Highest Honor

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A World War II veteran from Hutchinson received a very special honor Saturday.

Elvin "Speedy" Homan fought on the beaches of Normandy, France on D-Day in 1944.

He was captured by German soldiers in the Netherlands, and spent months as a prisoner of war.

France's Consul General honored him with the Legion of Honor, the country's highest national honor.

"It was awesome," Homan said. "I thought I'd never get it but I did. I did get it. And I appreciate very much that the Consul gave it."

Homan was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1945, but he re-enlisted in 1950 to serve in the Korean War.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.