A Hollister native and a World War II veteran received an unusual Memorial Day surprise last Monday.
Raymond Velasco, 89, was honored with the Legion of Honor – the highest decoration in France – at a special ceremony held at the Consul General of France’s residence in San Francisco.
“He was standing at attention,” said his son, Fernando Velasco. “It was kind of cool to watch him. He was excited. It was great to see it.”
Velasco was one of six World War II veterans who received the award at Consul General Romain Serman’s house for meritorious service in the World War II liberation of France.
“It was certainly a memorable event,” said Ken Halla, a member of the San Juan Bautista Historical Society who attended the event to take a video of the ceremony. “(It’s) certainly a prestigious award, and the recipients were greatly honored and the people in attendance were extremely appreciate of the efforts and work of the recipients.”
Velasco adds the award to at least one Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, according to his son. Purple Hearts are given in the name of the president to those wounded or killed while serving the U.S. military. Bronze Star medals are the fourth-highest individual military award and are given for acts of heroism or meritorious service in a combat zone.
Velasco’s military career spanned more than 20 years. He enlisted in the Army at age 18. Velasco served as a rifleman in the 3rd Army under General Patton. He saw combat in Eastern France and was wounded at Metz, France in 1944, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart, according to Halla.
“It was certainly a patriotic event,” Halla said.
Raymond Velasco could not be reached for comment before publication.
