Four months ago, family members and friends celebrated Clayton Chalfant, as turned 100.
On July 7 the centenarian and war hero will be feted again, in a big way.
This time, the Consul General of France does the honors.
In a private ceremony at Town Hall, Chalfant will receive France’s Legion of Honor.
Born in Connecticut on February 21, 1924, Chalfant enlisted in the US Army
when he was 18 years old.
Heavy machine gunner Clayton Chalfant.
He was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division’s 486th Armored Anti-Aircraft Battalion. They protected Allied forces from aerial attacks, while providing fire support against enemy infantry, vehicles and fortifications.
He saw action in the Normandy, northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe campaigns.
His battalion encountered every type of German weapon and endured numerous hardships, notably at the Battle of the Bulge.
After returning to Westport, Chalfant married Mary Speer. They recently celebrated their 76th anniversary.
Chalfant and other Westporters helped establish a sister city relationship with Marigny, France. In 1994, officials invited him to visit the historic Normandy town.
The Legion of Honor is the French Republic’s highest honorary distinction. It was created by Emperor Napoleon to recognize men and women who have accomplished exceptional deeds for France and its people.
Two view of Clayton Chalfant.é
In 2004 — the 60th anniversary of D-Day — French President Jacques Chirac decided his country would bestow the award upon all American WWII veterans who fought on its soil
“We feel it is our duty to thank the heroes who helped liberate our nation during
WWII, while we still can. We owe them our freedom, democracy, and way of life,” says Damien Laban, acting consul general of France in New York.
(Click here for a full story on Clayton Chalfant’s 100th birthday, and his century of life.)
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Well deserved! Congratulations
How Wonderful Westport should be so proud of this man.
He was a good friend of my father Dominick.
Katherine, I may have asked this before, but how are you related to Patty Calise, probably born in 1948?
Yes she was my cousin
Way to go Clay‼️🇺🇸
Congrats and all the best 👍🏼
A well deserved honor. Best to you my friend