Roland E. Dullnig - French Legion Of Honor Medal

On February 8, 2020, United States Army Air Corps World War II Veteran T/Sgt. Roland E. Dullnig was Awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal by Alexis Andres, Consul General of France in Houston, on behalf of the President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
The award ceremony was held in Roland's home town of San Antonio, TX.

"The Legion of Honour (French: Légion d'honneur) is the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte and retained by all later French governments and régimes." (wikipedia) This prestigious Medal has been recently awarded by the people of France to American Veterans who fought for the liberation of France during World War II. Others in attendance to honor Roland included Air Education and Training Command director of plans, programs and requirements Brig. Gen. Jim Sears, Jr.; Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs Maj. Kim Garbett; District 1 San Antonio City Councilman Roberto Trevino; and over 65 Family and Friends.

Maj. Garbett wrote the article "Army Air Corps Veteran Awarded French Legion of Honor" (PDF) for the USAF Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs website.

Biography of WWII Veteran: ROLAND E. DULLNIG

Roland Eugene Dullnig was born in San Antonio, Texas on December 3, 1921. He was educated in San Antonio and graduated from Fox Tech High School. He enlisted in the Army Air Force on June 1, 1942. After training, he was assigned to the 668th Squadron of the 416th Bombardment Group and served as a Crew Chief maintaining the A-20 and A-26 light bomber aircraft. The 668th Squadron in the 416th Bombardment Group participated in the battles and campaigns of Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe, and Air Offensive Europe. Roland received the following medals: World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Campaign Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with 6 Bronze Stars, Bronze Star Medal, and Distinguished Unit Badge. After serving almost four years in the military, Roland was honorably discharged as a Technical Sergeant in January, 1946.

After military service, he returned to San Antonio and worked in the printing trade for 40 years. After retiring, he taught printing in a local high school for six years. He was married to his wife, Evelyn, for almost 69 years and they enjoyed traveling in the U.S. and abroad, square dancing, spending time at their lake home, and were very active in their local Methodist Church. For the past 20 years, Roland has been able to attend the 416th Bombardment Group’s annual military reunions held throughout the United States. In May of 2017, Roland participated in an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to visit the military memorials and be honored as a WWII Veteran.

Roland has one daughter, Carolyn; son-in-law, George; and one son, Roland E. Dullnig, Jr.

Unless otherwise noted, these images are courtesy of Leonard Ziegler; Maj. Kim Garbett, USAF; or the 416th Bomb Group Archive.
Click on an image link below to view a larger display.

Click to view Roland's French Legion Of Honor Medal Award Ceremony Video.

Roland visiting before the Award Ceremony

L-R: Maj. Kim Garbett, Roland, Brig. Gen. James Sears, Jr.

Roland and Son Ron

L-R: Gary and Kathe Rensner, Jim Roeder, Friends of the 416th Bomb Group

National Anthem

USAF Brig. Gen. James Sears, Jr.

Sonny Haisler (far left) looks on as Alexis Andres (middle), Consul General of France in Houston, Awards the French Legion of Honor Medal to Roland E. Dullnig (right)

Alexis Andres (right), Consul General of France in Houston, Awarding the French Legion of Honor Medal to Roland E. Dullnig (left)

Roland and Alexis Andres

L-R: Brig. Gen. James Sears, Jr., Roland, Alexis Andres, Roberto Trevino

L-R: Ron Dullnig, Carolyn Haisler (Roland's Son and Daughter), Roland, Alexis Andres, Sonny Haisler (Carolyn's husband)

L-R: Maj. Kim Garbett, Ron, Carolyn, Roland, Alexis, Sonny

L-R: Maj. Kim Garbett, Roland, Carolyn

Alexis Andres presenting French Legion of Honor Certificate to Roland

Roland relaxing after lunch

French Legion of Honor Medal