97-year Herb McGee of Saint Andrews was recently awarded the rank of knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour. In a public ceremony at the All Saints Anglican Church on Remembrance Day, McGee had his medal officially pinned to his chest. The moment was met with a standing ovation from the audience. This distinction, which is the highest national order of France, was given to McGee in recognition of his personal involvement in the liberation of France during World War II. McGee joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943 when he was just 18 as an Tail Gunner, flying 40 missions over France and Germany during the Second World War. 

"Tail gunners in World War II had an average life expectancy of two weeks," said Archdeacon John Matheson, highlighting the bravery of McGee who was only 17 years old at the time he registered to fight. McGee went on to volunteer to fight in the Korean War as well. 

McGee said in the audience for the remainder of the Remembrance Day Service organzied by the Royal Canadian Legion St. Croix District Branch 8 Passamaquoddy in collaboration with the All Saints Anglican Church. McGee laid two wreaths during the ceremony in recognition of friends who fought in the war alongside him, many of whom were not as lucky as McGee and did not return home. McGee himself only returned to St. Andrews a few years ago after having spent the majority of his adult life in Western Canada. He was thrilled to receive his knighthood in his hometown of St. Andrews where he once again lives with his daughter and son-in-law.