Two Oklahoma World World II Veterans Receive Honors

Two local World War II combat veterans received the highest honor Americans can receive from the country of France.

Preston, 89, and Earl Gonzales, 92, were given a medal called the “French Legion of Honor Medal.”

France has stepped up efforts recently to recognize American World War II Veterans.

Wednesday's ceremony took place at the 45th Infantry Division War Museum in Oklahoma City.

Earl Gonzales joined the military before the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor. He fought in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy during World War II.

“I never in my whole life dreamed that anything like this would happen,” he said. “Because I didn't do any more than anybody else. You know as a matter of fact some guys done a heck of a lot more and they never came back.”