Rep. Kelly’s Office Hosts Medal Ceremony for World War II Veteran in Erie
101 year-old veteran of five European campaigns awarded French Legion of Honor
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) hosted a ceremony yesterday at Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home in Erie, PA, at which Master Sergeant Allison Taylor of Erie was presented the French Legion of Honor Medal for his service in World War II.
Seventy years have passed since Allison Taylor, who was drafted into the U.S. Army in World War II, left behind the battlefields of Europe -- places like Normandy, Rhineland and Ardennes.
Taylor, now 101 and a resident of the Pennsylvania Soldiers' & Sailors' Home in Erie, was reminded Wednesday of the importance of his service.
And Taylor, who received the Bronze Star Medal for his service, also was reminded that the nation of France counts itself among the grateful.
Surrounded by friends, family and members of the military, Taylor was presented with the Legion of Honor by Jean-Dominique Le Garrec, the Honorary French Consul, as an outreach of the Ambassador of France to the United States.
"I love it so much, I can't speak," said Taylor of the award. "I just tried to help everybody," he said of his military service. He'll be 102 Dec. 23.
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U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, of Butler, R-3rd Dist., whose office hosted the medal ceremony, praised Taylor in a statement as a "national treasure."
Erie’s Soldier’s and Sailor’s oldest resident, Al Taylor, received a prestigious award. At the age of 101, Al was honored with the French Chevalier of the Legion of Honor Award. This award is given to veterans serving in World War II. However, the veteran has to have served on French territory.
French Honorary Consul Jean Dominique Le-Garrec presented the award to Al. Something his nephew, Chaplain Ken Fails says, “I don't believe this honor could mean more to our family. We're very, very proud of him."
Fails heard about the award through various Soldier’s and Sailor’s events, he then enlisted the help of Representative Mike Kelly.
"One thing led to another, and I had a lot of help from Congressman Mike Kelly, and his staff. They expedited it so quickly, please realize he's a [101], we didn't have much time. And that's why I'm so glad he's made it this far to enjoy this honor. He's eating this up like crazy."
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