ATLANTA, GA - The Consul General of France in Atlanta will bestow the Legion of Honor, France's highest distinction, upon World War II veteran Paul O'Dell during a ceremony on Tuesday,January 27, 2026, at 3:00 pm in Laurens, SC.
The Legion of Honor is awarded to both French citizens and foreign nationals who have served France or upheld its ideals. Recipients include those who have made exceptional contributions to France, as well as veterans like the Americans who risked their lives fighting on French soil during World War II.
Notable American recipients of the Legion of Honor include Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and Josephine Baker.
The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, designates recipients of the Legion of Honor. The Consul General of France in Atlanta Anne-Laure Desjonqueres will bestow the medal upon Sergeant Paul O'Dell. Below is a brief summary of Sgt. O'Dell's involvement in World War II.
Born in the Hickory Tavern community of Laurens County in 1922, Paul O'Dell enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 12, 1942,joining thousands of young Americans committed to the war effort. After nearly a year of training, Sgt. O'Dell was deployed overseas in the summer of 1943, serving with the 982nd Ordnance Depot Company of the 604th Ordnance Base Armament Maintenance Battalion.
Initially stationed in England, Sgt. O'Dell worked as a stock record clerk and small arms repairer. His unit played a vital logistical role, supplying small arms and equipment to Allied forces in preparation for the D-Day invasion.
Following Germany's surrender in May 1945, Sgt. O'Dell's company moved into Paris, where he continued supporting local operations through the end of the year.
After spending 28 months overseas, Paul O'Dell returned to the United States shortly before Christmas in 1945. He was honorably discharged on Christmas Eve at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the rank of sergeant, fourth class.
In recognition of Sgt. O'Dell's service, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the Europe Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, and the Army Good Conduct Medal.
