Kingsland man to be honored with French Order of Legion of Honor
A Kingsland man will be honored Friday, Nov. 11, with the medal of Knight in the French Order of the Legion of Honor for his service during World War II.
Sujiro Seam, the Consul General of France in Houston, will honor Capt. Gerald Stoddard, who is unable to attend the ceremony, which will be the highlight of Austin’s Veterans Day Celebration. It will take place after the parade, on the south steps of the Texas Capitol at 11 a.m. Friday.
Stoddard, born Jan. 19, 1924, enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1942. After graduating from flying school as a second lieutenant, he joined the 55th Fighter Group and became a fighter pilot for P-38 and P-51 planes.
