Legion of Honor Ceremony for WWII Veteran William Simonoff [fr]
During a ceremony held on March 10 2023 at the residence of France, William Simonoff, 97 years old, surrounded by his family and friends received from the Consul General the insignia of Chevalier in the Legion of Honor for his bravery during World War II.
Click on the picture below to take a look at the photo album of this historical moment.
Photos courtesy of Jessie Rowan Photography.
Sergeant William Simonoff, U.S. Army, 97, was born in Pachuca, Mexico in January 1926 into a family of 2 boys and a girl. He grew up in Los Angeles and attended Garfield High School and Compton College where he competed in football and track. William was drafted into the U.S. Army in April 1944 at Ft MacArthur, California and after basic training, was sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky for training in tank maintenance and driving. He landed at Le Havre, France in January 1945 and was assigned as a replacement tank driver for the 3rd Tank Battalion of General Patton’s 10th Armored Division. He later became tank commander and participated in the battles of Metz, Thionville, Nancy, Strasbourg and the Battle of the Bulge. His campaigns included Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. William was discharged from the Army in February 1946 at Ft MacArthur, California. His significant decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the EAME Campaign Medal with 3 battle stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the World War II Victory Medal. After the war, during 1946-78 William started and owned Swift Transportation Company which grew to be the 2nd largest local trucking company in California. In 1978 he founded South Bay Public Warehouse in the 3rd party logistics and transportation business, retiring as President in 2013. He married Virginia Levine in 1962 and their union lasted 22 years until her passing in 1984. They had one son Christopher. William has been married to his current wife Joan Sage since 1990. They live in Rancho Mission Viejo, California and he enjoys philanthropy and playing with his granddaughter Alexandra.
If you know WWII veterans who have served in France, they might be eligible to receive the Legion of Honor. Write us at assistante.los-angeles-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr.
Click here to find the details about the Legion of Honor process..
- William Simonoff
