State Senator Cathy Young stands with Basil Spitale (center) and his son George Spitale during a presentation of an award from France’s National Order of the Legion of Honor. (Photo from Senator Young’s office)
JAMESTOWN – A Jamestown native and World War II Veteran has been honored for his service to our country.
On New Years day, State Senator Cathy Young was in Jamestown to honor U.S. Army veteran Basil Spitale, who has been appointed to France’s National Order of the Legion of Honor. The award and appointment was presented to Spitale for his outstanding record of military service and his contributions to the liberation of France in 1944-45.
The National Order of the Legion of Honor is the highest decoration in France. Appointment to the Order is awarded by the President of France for excellent civil or military conduct, as confirmed after official investigation by the French government.
Born in Jamestown on March 30, 1924, Spitale’s military service began when he was drafted into the Army on January 23, 1943. He would serve in various capacities, including as an infantryman in the 7th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division.
The 3rd Infantry Division would go on to endure the highest casualty rate of any American Division in World War II. By war’s end, the 3rd had suffered 5,558 killed and 18,766 wounded.
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