6/30/14 - After taking part in celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion of Normandy in World War II, a Livingston County living legend from that day is back home sporting another decoration to go with the many heâs already earned. 89-year-old Don Burgett of Howell (at far right), along with fellow 101st Airborne veterans Bob Noody and Dan McBride, was decorated with the French Légion of Honour during events in Normany earlier this month. The award is the highest decoration in France, and is normally reserved only for citizens of that nation. However, it is also bestowed to non-citizens who have served and fought in defense of France. Burgett earlier told WHMI while he was truly honored to receive the award, the decorations he received from the U.S. Army as a paratrooper were really all the honors heâs ever needed. Burgett was just 19 when he parachuted into Normandy in the morning hours of June 6th, 1944 as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He has written four books about his experiences, including the iconic âCurrahee; A Screaming Eagle at Normandy,â and is working on a fifth book about his experiences. (JK)
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