Shigura Momoda of Bellevue will receive the highest and most prestigious award from the government of France – The Legion of Honour (Chevalier) today in a ceremony in Seattle.

He will also will receive the coveted Croix de Guerre for his heroic deeds in France while assigned to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team (RCT) during World War II.

Presenting the award are Corrine Pereira, Deputy Consul General of France, and US Army Major General (Retired) James M. Collins. Collins currently serves as the Civilian Aide to Secretary of the Army for the State of Washington.

The Legion of Honour is conferred upon men and women, either French citizens or foreigners, for outstanding achievements in military or civil life.

The Croix de Guerre is bestowed as a unit award or to individuals who distinguish themselves by acts of heroism involving combat with enemy forces.

The medal was also awarded to those who had been “mentioned in despatches”, meaning a heroic deed was performed meriting a citation from an individual’s headquarters unit.