Ted Heck, a decorated platoon leader and company commander in World War II, recently collected another medal 70 years after the action. In a ceremony in the Embassy of France in Washington, he was made a Chevalier in the Legion of Honor.

He was one of eight men saluted by the Consul General before their families and friends. For some years France has been honoring veterans who participated in the liberation of their country. Theme of the ceremony was “We will never forget you.”

Ted fought in Alsace/Lorraine, where the 70th Infantry Division played a major role in stopping Operation Northwind, Germany’s last major offensive. During various actions he won a Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Medal, two Bronze Stars and a Silver Star.One Bronze was for capturing a fully-armed squad of German soldiers hiding in a French cellar. Ted had only a pistol. The Silver was awarded for his leading an attack in another village, removing a machine gun from its tripod and firing it from the hip in house-to-house fighting.

One of his veteran friends suggested to him that he should wear the Legion of Honor, while strolling along the Champs Elysees in Paris:"It may get you a glass of champagne."

After a long career in business and international marketing, Ted Heck is active in journalism, specializing in sports and travel. He is editor and publisher of BlueBookSki.com and an editor for GolfSkiandTravel.com.

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