Swope Family of Dealerships

Mr. Bill Swope received this great honor for his service in World War II liberating France from German occupation.  The following is the front page article in the News Enterprise. 

Bill Swope recieves French Legion of Honor medal

Swope receives award for Word War II service

Elizabethtown- Local auto dealer Bill Swope on Saturday was recognized for helping liberate France from German occupation during World War II.

He is one of at least five local residents who have received the French Legion of Honor medal since it became available in 2004.  Former Congressman Ron Lewis presented the medal to Swope at the American Legion Post 113 during a company Chrismas party.  Those who receive it are considered Knights of the French Republic. 

Dave Jarrett, a verteran service officer for for Disabled American Veterans, has been the local go-to guy for the medals.  The French Consulate in Chicago awards them.

Swope, Chairman of the Swope Family of Dealerships, crossed the English channel to France in 1944.  While his contact with the French population was limited, he said he felt they appreciated Americans ridding them of the oppression they'd lived under for several years.

Swope was a sergeant in Gen. George S. Patton's Third Army, serving in a field artillery battalion of the 87th Infantry Division. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and crossed into Germany in January of 1945.  He recalled a cold, miserable winter.  "It was not one of my better Christmases," he said.  He endured 146 days of combat.

One of the worst problems was incoming artillery shells, which taught him the necessity of foxholes.  Another was the German soldiers wearing American uniforms sometimes would try to infiltrate their positions.  To prevent this, troops came up with a daily challenge and password.  For instance, a soldier might be asked the name of Cincinnati's baseball team.

Swope said he wants the French Legion of Honor recognition to be in memory of those heroic Americans, including his wife's younger brother, who fought and died while liberating France.

"I feel very humbled, and yet very, very proud to receive this medal," he said.

John Friedlien

The News Enterprise.