Local World War II veteran recognized with France’s highest honor

Earl Snypes receives Legion of Honor medal in Black Mountain ceremony

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
June 1, 2021

World War II veteran and Buncombe County native Earl Snypes was recognized, June 1, with the Legion of Honor designation from the Consul General of France in Atlanta on behalf of French President Emmanuel Macron. Photo by Fred McCormick

Nearly 76 years ago, Earl Snypes completed his infantry training at Camp Wheeler in Georgia and boarded a ship for Europe, where the Allied forces were embroiled in a vicious and bloody conflict with German troops on the Western Front of World War II. The young assistant gunner with Company K of the U.S. Army 26th Infantry Regiment didn’t know if he would return to his native Buncombe County, as he and his fellow soldiers successfully repelled Nazi attacks in the Battle of the Bulge and Rhineland before advancing into Germany in the Central Europe Campaign. 

Snypes not only survived to witness the liberation of France and the fall of Nazi Germany, but he returned to Ridgecrest where he lived for 72 years with his wife Carolyn, who was by his side June 1, as the French Republic recognized the 96-year-old veteran with its highest honor. 

The Legion of Honor, which recognizes outstanding service to the French Republic, is the highest honor bestowed by the country. Photo by Fred McCormick

Vincent Hommeril, the Consul General of France in Atlanta, bestowed the insignia of the Legion of Honor upon Snypes in a ceremony at Mountain View Church in Black Mountain. The decoration, which recognizes outstanding service to the French Republic, expresses gratitude for the American soldiers who helped liberate the country in World War II. 

“More than 70 years ago, Mr. Snypes risked his life for the freedom of France and Europe,” Hommeril said before presenting the medal on behalf of French President Emmanuel Macron. “France is what it is today, a free and sovereign country, thanks to the bravery of such veterans and thanks to America.”

The event, which was attended by friends and family members of the Snypes, fellow veterans and members of the church, opened with an invocation from Mountain View Pastor Brent Bolick and a presentation of the French and American flags by the Owen High School ROTC Color Guard. The national anthems of both countries followed. 

Earl and Carolyn Snypes admire the insignia of the Legion of Honor, which was awarded to the World War II veteran at Mountain View Church on June 1. Photo by Fred McCormick

“Today, we remember that the French-American friendship is bound in blood and that our two countries owe each other their very existence as free nations,” Hommeril said. 

The Consul General called Snypes a “true hero” for his service in World War II. 

“The French people will never forget what you helped do to restore our freedom,” he continued. 

The Consul General of France in Atlanta Vincent Hommeril congratulates Buncombe County native and World War II veteran Earl Sypes, who received the Legion of Honor insignia June 1. Photo by Fred McCormick

Snypes stood as Hommeril pinned the insignia on his lapel before embracing the Consul General. Veterans who fought in one or more of the campaigns that liberated France are eligible to receive the distinction, which was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. Americans who have been given the honor include Dwight D. Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur. 

Snypes is one of approximately 93,000 people to have received the insignia.