Mount Prospect man recognized with French Legion of Honor for World War II duties
A Mount Prospect resident, retired Major Jack Bornhoeft of the U.S. Air Force, will be bestowed with the French Knight of the Legion of Honor in a private ceremony Monday, April 3.
Bornhoeft flew the B-26 Marauder twin engine bomber over France during World War II. He is 93, has been a resident of the village for 64 years and been married for nearly 70 years.
The French Legion of Honor is an order of distinction first established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It is the highest decoration bestowed by France to foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds.
Other notables who have received the Legion of Honor distinction include Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur.
Mount Prospect Mayor Arlene A. Juracek said, "As time goes by, there is a real danger that the heroic contributions of members of 'the Greatest Generation' like Mr. Bornhoeft will be lost, yet we cannot forget what these brave, young servicemen did to protect from tyranny the freedom and dignity of mankind.
"It is fitting that America's oldest ally, France, is working to ensure that proper honors are bestowed on the deserving. We are proud to assist in that recognition."
Bornhoeft said he is humbled by the recognition.
"There is some good that comes out of war," he said. "In 1944, when I was in Louisiana for flight crew training, I was introduced to my five crew members. I was still 20 years old. None of us knew each other. They were younger than me. We built a relationship that lasted for 72 years. I called them every Christmas. The last one died last year … I'm accepting this not only for myself, but for five others."
Consul General of France in Chicago Vincent Floreani will present Bornhoeft with the distinction in the Mount Prospect village hall board room in a ceremony with an intimate group of family, friends, veterans, elected officials and community members. People who would like to attend should call the Community Engagement Liaison at (847) 392-6000.