Benjamin Berry, 100, a Willow Grove native, Abington High School graduate, and World War II veteran, will be presented with France’s Legion of Honor at a ceremony at the Navy Yard on Monday, March 18.

The award, the highest of its kind given by the French government, recognizes Berry’s service and commitment during WWII and to the veteran community. He was part of the Allied invasion during the Nazi’s occupation of France, served in the Battle of the Bulge and helped liberate Dachau, according to The Inquirer.

The award was first created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and has also been given to Dwight Eisenhower, James Baldwin and Eleanor Roosevelt, according to PhillyVoice.

Berry served as one of two Grand Marshals for the Philadelphia Veterans Parade on Sunday, November 5. He celebrated his 100th birthday on Thursday, September 21.

He received the Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in 2021 and was inducted into the Quartermaster Hall of Fame in 2022. 

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Photo: Quartermaster Hall of Fame