WWII veteran from Long Island awarded French Legion of Honor

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The highest honor from the French government bestowed on a foreign national was presented to World War II veteran and Long Island resident U.S. Army veteran Ernest Rosa on Tuesday. (Photo credit Keith Lane)

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - The highest honor from the French government bestowed on a foreign national was presented to World War II veteran and Long Island resident U.S. Army veteran Ernest Rosa on Tuesday.

Rosa was recognized with the French Legion of Honor medal for his sacrifice and support of the liberation of France.

Along with the French Legion of Honor, Private First Class Rosa was awarded with seven replacement service medals for his service in Europe during World War II.

Rosa saw combat with the 399th Infantry Regiment of the 100th Infantry Division in Europe during some of the bloodiest battles of the war including the Battle of the Bulge.

He was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned home to New York.

On hand to present Rosa with the medals at the Huntington VFW Post were Rep. Steve Israel and French Deputy Consul General Bernard Faro.