JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (July 3, 2024) – During a ceremony held at the Fort Sam Houston Theatre, WWII veteran U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Gerald Mullin was inducted as a Chevalier (Knight) of the Legion of Honor by Decree of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
Many from the local community, including Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert Jr, U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Juan Ayala of the City of San Antonio’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Joe Bray, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army, JBSA Commander U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Russell Driggers, Jewish Federation of San Antonio, and members of Fred Brock American Legion Post 828 and Jewish War Veterans Post 753, attended to honor Mullin.
The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the Air Force Honor Guard, followed by the singing of the American and French national anthems. The welcome was delivered by Driggers, followed by 502nd Air Base Wing Historian Vincent Hodge, who provided a historic account of Mullins’ unit, the Red Ball Express.
After additional remarks by those on the program, French Consul General Valerie Baraban, who traveled from Houston, read the award for all to hear. Unfortunately, Mullin, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, was unable to be present to accept the award, which was received on his behalf by Calvert.
Mullin, a life member of Fred Brock Post 828, served in the Army during World War II as a platoon commander of the Red Ball Express that transported ammunition, food, fuel and supplies to the front lines of the Allies in their efforts to defeat Nazi Germany. Additionally, the Red Ball Express was responsible for moving the deceased and rescued Jewish victims of the Holocaust from concentration camps.
The Legion of Honor testifies to the French government’s highest esteem for Mullin’s merits and accomplishments. It is a sign of France’s infinite gratitude and appreciation for his personal and precious contribution to the United States’ decisive role in the liberation of France during World War II.
The award was created by Napoleon in 1802 to acknowledge services rendered to France by persons of exceptional merit.
