Honored World War II Veteran Passes Away

I had the great honor last week of meeting a group of World War II veterans who showed the highest courage in the D-Day invasion and battling to liberate France.

The veterans last Thursday received the French Legion of Honor from Atlanta French Consul General Pascal Le Deunff in a moving ceremony in Buckhead.

Walter L. Robertson of Atlanta was among the men whom I talked to about their experiences in World War II. Mr. Robertson, who served in the Navy on the destroyer USS O'Brien, told me about fighting from Europe to the Pacific Theater. He had manned a gun to shell enemy positions during D-Day and witnessed the Japanese surrender that ended the war.

This morning, I saw Mr.Robertson's obituary in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He passed away at his home in Tucker on Saturday, just two days after receiving the Legion of Honor. The memorial service was at noon Wednesday at Decatur's Briarlake Baptist Church, the AJC said. His cremated remains will be buried at sea.

Although I'd spoken to Mr. Robertson for only a few brief moments, I felt sadness at  his death, mixed with gratitude that I had met this remarkable man and his fellow veterans. He came home and enjoyed a long and successful life after serving his country with the highest courage. Now the old sailor will return to the sea.