Benjamin Berry, who grew up in Willow Grove, will receive France’s highest honor for his participation in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II when he helped liberate Dachau, writes Kristin Hunt for PhillyVoice.

The 100-year-old will step inside the Navy Yard’s chapel on March 18, where he will be presented with the Legion of Honor, a prestigious award that was also bestowed upon Dwight Eisenhower, James Baldwin, and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Berry was just 19 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. At first, he was a member of a segregated unit within the Quartermaster Corps which oversaw transporting food, gas, and other supplies to Allied troops.

After completing basic training, he was sent first to England, and then to France. He landed on Omaha Beach about three weeks after D-Day.

He then joined Allied forces for a month-long campaign that thwarted the German offensive which was Hitler’s failed attempt to push the Allies back.

Berry, who was a corporal when he was discharged, was also recognized with the Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg three years ago.

Read more about Benjamin Berry and his participation in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II in the PhillyVoice.

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