Paul Jarrett insists he was simply fulfilling his duty when he enlisted in the U.S. Army nearly 80 years ago to fight in World War I.
Acting French Consul General Philippe Vinogradoff tells a different story - one of a brave soldier who risked his life to help liberate France from the Germans.On Tuesday, at age 101, the resident of the Woodland Hills section of Los Angeles was recognized for that heroism. Vinogradoff pinned a shiny silver and blue medal - the Legion of Honor, France's highest military award - to Jarrett's left lapel.
"I'm chagrined. It's almost amusing to imagine myself being grouped with all these (Legion of Honor recipients) I've heard about over the years," a humbled Jarrett said after a ceremony at the French Consulate in the Westwood section of Los Angeles.
"Generally, I just tried to be a good citizen."
Jarrett received the award surrounded by a large group that included four daughters and dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all awed by his accomplishment.
"He's always given a lot in his life," said granddaughter Cindy Wolcott, 41, who flew from Oregon for the ceremony. "It's nice for him to get something back."
Jarrett, who celebrated his 101st birthday in June, enlisted in April 1917 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant four months later. He was assigned to the 166th Infantry of the 42nd Rainbow Division.
Trained in hand-to-hand combat, he became an expert in trench warfare. He fought several battles throughout northeastern France. He was wounded three times and in 1918 was awarded a Purple Heart.
A year later, he received an honorable discharge.
Vinogradoff said Jarrett is one of only a select few American World War I veterans to have received the Legion of Honor.
Jarrett received the award thanks to the citizens of a small village, Nouvillier-les-Badonvillier, which he helped liberate.
When Jarrett returned to the town in 1988, he received a hero's welcome. And a year later, the town named a street after him, then asked the president of the French Republic to honor their hero with the Legion of Honor.
"This is proof that they did not forget," Vinogradoff said.
Jarrett's grandson Clark Jarrett has become a historian of his grandfather's life and is working on a documentary. He said other than the Purple Heart, his grandfather has received scant recognition of his accomplishments.
"This makes up for all the other medals he didn't get," Clark Jarrett said.
The Legion of Honor was created by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802, as a general military and civil order of merit conferred without regard to birth or religion, provided that anyone admitted swears to uphold liberty and equality.
Recipients must have 20 years of civil achievement in peacetime - or have displayed extraordinary bravery in military service during wartime.