Swansea born veteran receives award for helping to liberate France

  • Wales
Clifford Guard received the Legion d'Honneur Credit: ITV Wales

Swansea born Clifford Guard has been recognised for his role during World War Two by receiving France's highest honour, the Legion d'Honneur.

He was serving with the 3rd Armored Division of the US Army, when he was involved in the liberation of France.

Clifford Guard, on the left, aged five Credit: Clifford Guard

Mr Guard was born in Swansea in 1923, aged 15 he left Wales to join the merchant navy. It was whilst in New York in 1942 that he decided to join up:

He served as a GI in the 3rd Armored Division Credit: Clifford Guard

During the war, GI Limey - as he was known to his comrades - served across Europe. He landed in Omaha Beach on the 23rd June 1944, and was involved in the Battle of the Falaise Gap, in August 1944, which was instrumental in the liberation of France.

Luc Pages from the French embassy presented the honour Credit: ITV Wales

Mr Guard received the award in the US Embassy in London. He said he was receiving it on behalf of those he served with.