Kentucky French Medal of Honor recipient dies

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – A Kentucky World War II veteran who recently received the French Medal of Honor has died.

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes announced Monday retired Lt. Colonel William Pollard died over the weekend.

Pollard was 100.

In November, Pollard was awarded the French Legion of Honor at a ceremony in Frankfort.

Consul General of France Guillaume Lacroix pinned the medal on Pollard, calling him “a true French hero.”

Pollard was part of the allied invasion of German-occupied France in 1944.

Pollard’s son says his father rescued 14 soldiers from a concrete caisson that was hit by enemy fire.