A World War Two veteran from Mitchell received a special honor, from a special guest representing a grateful nation.
French Consul General to the Midwest Guillaume LaCroix presented the French Legion of Honor medal to Staff Sargent Jimmy Traupel.
“To thank him for his service, and through him thank all the people from South Dakota who played a role in our liberation in World War Two,” said LaCroix.
For LaCroix, presenting the honor is personal. “My parents, my grand parents were there and have transmitted to us the memory of the war,” LaCroix said. “The memory of occupation, the memory of humiliation, the memory of family separation, but also the memory of liberation.”
Traupel accepted the Legion of Honor on behalf of his comrades in the 379th Bomb Group but made one thing clear. “Don’t call me a hero,” Traupel said adamantly. He says he was trained to do a job and performed it to the best of his ability.
Traupel flew 34 missions over Europe as a waist-gunner and “toggler” aboard B-17 bombers. He received numerous medals for his service including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart. And now, 75 years later, the French Legion of Honor.