World War II Veteran Receives French Legion of Honor

AVALON — World War II veteran John Fallon of Avalon received the highest honor from the French military Nov. 8. Fallon received the “French Legion of Honor” medal from the French ambassador to the United States, Francois Delattre, during a ceremony at the Lycee Francais de New York in New York City. Fallon is 91 years old and resides in Avalon. He is also a member of American Legion Post #331 which serves Avalon and Stone Harbor.
“We are extremely proud of John and thank him for his extraordinary service to our country,” said American Legion Post #331 Commander Harry Clayton. “We were proud to accompany John to New York City to be a very special part of his day. We are thankful that his efforts more than a half century ago have been recognized by receiving France’s highest military honor.”
Fallon was also vetted during a Philadelphia Flyers hockey game Nov. 7 and received a Flyers uniform with the number “36,” depicting his Regiment. He was also recognized during Veterans Day ceremonies held in Avalon and Stone Harbor Nov. 11. Nov. 13, the Avalon Borough Council and Mayor Martin Pagliughi also presented Fallon with an official proclamation honoring him for receiving the French Legion of Honor medal.
Fallon entered the United States Army at the age of 20. Fallon served as a captain in the 36th Engineer Combat Regiment and received two Purple Heart medals for wounds he sustained in service His service in the European campaign began in North Africa before he was involved in the invasion of Anzio, Italy before travelling through France and Germany. He was wounded in Anzio, and again in Alsace, France. Fallon also received two Bronze Stars with V for Valor in action.
Following his military service, Fallon became a graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and worked for the 3M Company. Fallon is a native of Philadelphia and purchased a home in Avalon 55 years ago.
American Legion Post #331 is located at the Tatham’s Life Saving Station in Stone Harbor. The station is the oldest existing building in the Borough and is the home to the Stephen C. Ludlam American Legion Post #331. The post is named in the memory of Stephen C. Ludlam who was killed in action at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. For his heroic action in defeating a German machine gun and saving his comrades, Private Ludlam received the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross, our nation’s second highest honor.
More information on the “Sons of the American Legion” squadron is located on the post’s official website, www.stephencludlampost331.org.