HERMITAGE

The French government honored World War II veterans on July 14 in Pittsburgh's Soldiers and Sailors Museum to thank them for their participation in the liberation of France. The 14th was Bastille Day, France's celebration of its 18th century revolution.

At the event, local veteran John Takoch, 4571 Sonoff Lane, Hermitage, was honored with a certificate. Takoch served with the Army in France from June 1944 to April 1945, he said.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi said he was pleased the awards would further recognize American veterans.

"This honor is further evidence that the contributions of our World War II veterans will be remembered by this nation and by our allies around the world whom they helped to free," said Principi.

The award was announced in January 2001 through the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. Takoch applied to the program by sending in his discharge papers over a year ago.

French consul to the United States, Jean-Pierre Masseret, contacted Takoch by letter.

"I feel pretty good about it," said Takoch of his certificate. "It was quite an honor. Me and about 200 other men got them (the certificates). It was real nice," he said.

Takoch served in a railroad battalion that assisted with the liberation of Europe by providing soldiers at the front with supplies.

"We supplied (General George S.) Patton all the way," said Takoch. "We got four battle stars for all our work. We were really out there," he said.

Takoch received the "thank-you" through the work of 10 consuls of France working with the U.S. Veterans Affairs office in Washington, D.C.