Charles Wilson receives the prestigious French Légion d'honneur

We couldn’t be any more proud of our founder, Charles Wilson, who passed away last November at 101 years young.  At least, that’s what we thought until last week, when the French Consulate presented him with a Légion d’Honneur award — the Legion of Honour. 

Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honor is the highest, most prestigious decoration France bestows, honoring great contributors to the principles their country was founded on. Receiving a Chevalier Knighthood in this legion, Mr. Wilson joins an impressive list that includes Eleanor Roosevelt, Orson Welles, Martin Scorsese and Toni Morrison, alongside countless French citizens and soldiers. 

According to Adrien Frier, French Consul General in Los Angeles, “To confer such a medal to an individual is how France pays tribute to remarkable women and men. This medal is of the highest importance to the French people, institutions, and government. It is a way to express, beyond words, the gratitude of my country.” 

Mr. Wilson landed in France in 1944 and took part in the Battle of the Bulge, the largest and bloodiest battle the United States fought in World War II, which marked a turning point on the Western Front. He went on to fight in German territory, being wounded in January 1945 but still managing to save several members of his squad at the risk of his own life. Mr. Wilson was awarded both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals for his bravery. And now, his contribution to the war has been memorialized with this incredible honor. 

Monsieur Frier said, “The man we posthumously recognize today, Charles Wilson, is without a doubt a true hero to whom France owes a debt that can never be paid. While we wish this ceremony could have taken place with Charles present, time will never erase our gratitude.”

Accepting the award on behalf of his father, Tim was visibly moved. “My dad would be so honored to receive this,” he said, “but he’d also be humble and say that he didn’t deserve this — that it was everyone’s bravery, including the countrymen in France. At the same time, he lived his life to be all about peace and support and helping people. This really is the honor of a lifetime for him and for our family as well.”

As Lieutenant Colonel Robert Johnson, the retired U.S. Air Force officer who nominated Charles for the award and was also present at the ceremony, said, “It’s a legacy for your family.” And that’s a legacy everyone at Ernest is honored to be part of. Congratulations, Mr. Wilson. We love you.