Chicago area WWII vet receives France's Legion of Honor medal

WHEATON, Ill. (WLS) -- A Chicago area World War II veteran received the French Legion of Honor medal for his service at Omaha Beach and across northern France.

John Chrenka enlisted in the army in 1942 and served until the war ended in 1945. He accepted his medal from French Consul General, Vincent Floreani, at Cantigny Park in Wheaton Friday. The Legion of Honor is France's highest distinction.

"The torch you carried so high and so far, the torch of freedom, dignity, justice and democracy still lights our way," Floreani said.

This is the latest honor for the already decorated Sergeant Chrenka who also has a Bronze Star and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

He was born in Chicago in 1922 and lives at the Hines VA Hospital.