Though local veteran Lloyd Cain was only 16 years old when his father passed away, he recalls overhearing some of the stories of his service during the First World War.
"My father's unit was awarded the French Croix de Guerre," Cain said.
Created by the French government in 1915, the military decoration recognizes acts of bravery in the face of the enemy.
And years later, during World War II, Cain's own service in support of the liberation of France would earn him his own piece of recognition from the French Republic.
Next month, Gov. Jay Nixon will award Cain and two other local veterans with the French Legion of Honor Medal in recognition of their sacrifices in support of the liberation of France.