10.09.17

Hoeven, Heitkamp, Cramer Honor WWII Veteran Lynn Aas during French Legion of Honor Medal Ceremony

MINOT, N.D. – Senators John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp and Congressman Kevin Cramer today honored Lynn W. Aas, a World War II veteran from Minot, as he was presented with France’s highest decoration, the Legion of Honor medal. The medal is awarded in recognition of Aas’ extraordinary bravery in helping to liberate France, and its recipients are named by decree signed by the President of the Republic.

Aas, who fought as a rifleman in the historic Battle of the Bulge, served with the 17th Airborne Division of the 193rd Airborne Infantry in the European Theatre and received the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Aas returned to North Dakota following the war, earned his law degree from the University of North Dakota and served in the state legislature for four sessions.

“Lynn is already a decorated veteran and widely-known servant to his community, and today’s honor is a well-deserved addition to his legacy,” Hoeven said. “It has been a privilege to know him, witness his impact on my hometown and our state and include him as my guest at the 2015 State of the Union. He is truly a tremendous representative of the Greatest Generation.”

“This medal is a wonderful reminder of what Lynn’s family and friends know all too well – Lynn is someone who puts others before himself,” said Heitkamp. “He didn’t ask for medals or awards, but because of his selfless service, he earned them. He represents some of the best of our state and it’s an honor to be here to present him with this medal for helping to secure freedom for not just our country, but another nation as well.”

“Lynn epitomizes service,” said Cramer. “He is selfless, savvy and a great patriot. He is quite simply a hero. I was honored to join Lynn on an Honor Flight several years ago and am honored to celebrate with him today.”

Today’s ceremony included Guillanume Lacroix, the Consul General of France in Chicago, who presented the medal, state and local officials, community members and Aas’ family and friends.

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