New Pond Resident John Donovan was awarded France’s Legion of Honor medal for his service as a medic in Brittany and Normandy.
WALPOLE, Mass. — A 102-year-old World War II veteran living in Massachusetts received a special honor on Tuesday.
John Donovan was awarded France’s Legion of Honor medal for his service as a medic in Brittany and Normandy.
Donovan, a professor emeritus of Boston College, was nominated for the recognition by two of his colleagues.
“I’m shocked,” he said. “There are thousands of people in World War II who all did their part, just like me. I did my part, they did their part. I’m not sure my part was enough to get any kind of award, but I think I did well.”
The former Needham resident now lives at New Pond Village in Walpole, where he was awarded the medal during an outdoor, socially distanced ceremony.
NewsCenter 5 would like to thank Donovan for his service to the United States, as well as his service to France, for which he was recognized.