WWII Veterans Honored With The French Legion Of Honor

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DENVER (CBS4)- Five World War II veterans in Colorado received France's highest honor for the military.

Angelo Mazzi, Julian Kler, Uwe Grapengeter, Odell Plylar and Louis Zoughby were awarded the French Legion of Honor on Monday.

WWII veterans received the French Legion of Honor (credit: CBS)

The award honors their contribution to liberating France from the Nazis during WWII.

"It's an unexpected honor. It took 70 years before they finally recognized us for our actions in World War II. And I am deeply deeply honored and grateful to the people and government of France for so honoring us," said Mazzi.

The French Legion of Honor, the highest honor from France (credit: CBS)

Napoleon created the Legion of Honor in 1802 to acknowledge French citizens and foreign nationals who served the country.

Five WWII veterans in Colorado received the French Legion of Honor (credit: CBS)