GRANBURY - This week is "Roy Crittenden Week" in Granbury, but yesterday was a day unlike any other in Crittenden's 99 years.

The World War I veteran was named a Chevalier (knight) of the National Order of the Legion of Honor for his service in France 82 years ago.

Five generations of Crittenden's family and more than 200 friends and well-wishers gathered for the ceremony yesterday at Granbury Church of Christ.

Nicole Cheves, the deputy general consul of France based in Houston, presented the medal, which is France's highest civilian or military award and was commissioned by Napoleon in 1802.

Cheves said her government wanted to acknowledge "the extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice of the Allied soldiers in a tangible way" by honoring the surviving veterans of World War I.

Crittenden said he was a little surprised by all the attention.

"It's funny that people would put themselves to the trouble to come here," he said.

Cheves said, "He's very young, you know. As I understand, he lied about his age to enlist, being only 17 years and eight days old."

Crittenden arrived in France in the summer of 1917. He was with the Army's 42nd Division. He was wounded by shrapnel in 1918.

"This commemoration is about remembering," Cheves told the assemblage. "Remembering our past so that we can shape a different future. Remembering the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to defend our common ideals. Remembering also that today's reconciled Europe was built on the ruins of war."

Crittenden, who walks with a cane, was aided by a contingent from District 21 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, as he rose to receive the medal.

Anne Brewster of Dallas, a great-granddaughter, said: "He's been an inspiration for everyone in our family." She added that he has always been reluctant to talk about the war.

About 30 students from the second- and third-year French classes at Granbury High were allowed to attend, and they were clearly excited about meeting Crittenden.

French teachers Brenda Daskam and Linda Meyer said it was a unique chance for their students to put a face on what they have learned about World War I in history books.

Steve Allen, a project officer with the Veterans Affairs Department, said his office, based in Waco, is trying to find all World War I veterans who saw duty in France. Anyone who thinks they qualify can call (800) 827-1000.

Paul Bourgeois (817) 390-7796

© 1999 Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas