It might be more than 70 years later, but one Alabama World War Two veteran finally got a well-deserved recognition for his heroic service.

As WTVY reported, 92-year-old Homer Smith of Dothan served in the U.S. Army during the last world war, specifically the European campaign that eventually saw France liberated from Nazi control. However, before that eventual triumph, Smith was taken captive and held as a prisoner of war.

Over a half a century later, France is thanking the war hero. Since Smith, at his age, could not travel to the scheduled ceremony in Atlanta, state Rep. Paul Lee (R-Dothan) presented the Legion of Honour on behalf of the French consulate. This is the highest military or civil award given by that country.

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Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn