Veteran to take his place as a hero of France
June 28, 2010 -
Like countless war veterans before him, Carl DeVasto willingly entered the annals of history when he signed up to serve his country in World War II.
The Army radio man from Roslindale fought the four final European campaigns with the 26th Infantry Yankee Division, 101st Infantry Regiment, and, in an all-American success story, came home and married his sweetheart. They settled in Westwood, where he opened and ran a grocery store like his father before him.
For six decades, the memories of bloody battles waged and old friends lost were mostly private for the former technical sergeant. Tomorrow, the stories come alive in public, as DeVasto becomes a chevalier of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award for merit and accomplishment.
The medal and honor was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and bestowed on DeVasto by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. DeVasto will receive the award during a ceremony in Norwood with friends, family, and members of his regiment. It will also be his 91st birthday.
In his address tomorrow, DeVasto said he will note how proud he is to be selected.
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