World War II soldier from Nevada, 98, is stunned as he opens his door for the U.S. Ambassador to France and the French Ambassador to present him with France's highest award for his bravery as a scout behind enemy lines in Belgium
A Las Vegas veteran who braved World War II was personally presented with the French government's highest decoration at his home last month.
Private 1st Class Henry Robinson, 98, was surprised when unexpected visitors showed up at his Henderson home.
“I had the ambassador of France and the ambassador of the United States come to my house, and his contingents spoke to me,” Robinson said. KNV.
He was shocked to learn that the French government awarded him the French Legion of Honor for his bravery in wartime.
The 98-year-old served as a scout behind enemy lines in 1944 when he took part in the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. A year later he helped liberate concentration camps and stayed after the end of the war to help displaced people find homes.
Henry Robinson, a 98-year-old veteran of World War II, was awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government
Robinson, affectionately known as “Robby,” served as a scout behind enemy lines when he entered the war in 1944. A year later he helped liberate concentration camps and stayed after the end of the war to help displaced people find homes.
In October 2023, Robinson met with Sebastien Thevenin (left), the honorary consul of France in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. Last month he was visited by the American ambassador to France and the French ambassador, who appointed him a Knight
Robinson was made a Chevalier or Knight, a title given only to those with at least twenty years of public service, and largely only to those who died in battle.
Sebastien Thevenin, France's honorary consul in Las Vegas and Southern Nevada, posted a photo with Robinson on X in October 2023.
“I am deeply humbled to have met the soon-to-be decorated Knight of the French Legion of Honor, 98-year-old WWII veteran Henry Robinson,” Thevenin wrote. “Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice.”
Robinson himself said he received the award with his fallen brothers in mind. “Probably, in memory of those who didn't come back,” he said.
Memories of his wartime continue to haunt the 98-year-old. Robinson recalled how a seriously wounded soldier from the 55th Infantry was stranded in “no man's land,” beyond the reach of help.
“We had no way to reach him to help him,” Robinson explained. “And so he was there alone, injured. And you could hear him shouting, 'Mom!' And that stays with you.'
Robinson, affectionately known as “Robby,” was assigned to the 11th Armored Division, 22nd Tank Battalion.
Robinson (right) was previously honored in May 2022 when he traveled to Washington, DC as part of Honor Flight Nevada
He was among the veterans of World War II, the Korean Wars and the Vietnam Wars who visited monuments and memorials built in their honor
The 98-year-old went into battle in December 1944 and helped repel the Germans over the Prüm River. He later served as a guard during the Nuremberg Trials and was honorably discharged in May 1946
He went into battle in December 1944 and helped his division fend off the Germans above the Prüm River.
Robinson later served as a guard during the Nuremberg Trials before being honorably discharged and sent home in May 1946.
The 99-year-old was previously honored during a special trip to Washington, DC in May 2022 as part of Honor Flight Southern Nevada.
He was among the veterans of World War II, the Korean Wars and the Vietnam Wars who visited monuments erected in their memory.
Robinson said at the time that he believed participating in the Honor Flight would help free him from the shadows of the past.
“You can't wear that forever, but a lot of guys can, and it shortens your life if you don't get over it,” the veteran explained.
In October 2023, 99-year-old John Gojmerac also received a Legion of Honor during a ceremony in New York.
According to an army press release, the Slovenian immigrant was drafted into the 7th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd ID, which served in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. He was wounded twice.
The 99-year-old earned a Silver Star for repairing a telephone line between two platoons several times during one battle and capturing a German soldier who tried to cut the line.
In October 2023, John Gojmerac, 99, also received a Legion of Honor for his service in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany
The Slovenian immigrant was wounded twice during a fight. He earned a Silver Star for repairing a telephone line between two platoons several times and capturing a German soldier when he tried to cut the line
Like Robinson, Gojmerac received the award with his late comrades in mind.
“I don't accept it for myself, but for the men who didn't make it,” Gojmerac said.
He and Robinson join a select group who have received the prestigious award. Robinson is one of 23 Las Vegas residents to receive the award in the past decade and is the only remaining honoree.
However, Robinson insists he was only doing his duty.
“It's unnecessary,” he said. 'We only did what we had to do. You know, we only did what was necessary, and I think about the guys we lost.”
The 99-year-old will officially receive his medal on Monday during a ceremony led by Laurent Bili, the French ambassador to the United States.