World War II Army veteran James Sansom received the "Legion d'Honneur" from the French government. These medals, the highest France bestows, will honor Americans who helped liberate the country during WWII. Sansom and 13 others received the medals on Feb. 20 at a ceremony at the state capital building in Raleigh, N.C.

Sansom crossed Omaha Beach on June 11, 1944. He served in four battles, eventually captured as a prisoner of war during the Battle of the Bulge. He was liberated from a Stalag, a German POW camp, on April 15, 1945. He is a member of Post 67 in Cary, N.C.

The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors and the national anthem. French Consul General Denis Barbet presented the medals to recipients. Gov. Pat McCrory also congratulated the honorees.