John 'Doc' Cumbers was just 17 when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War; 70 years later, he was recognized for his courage and valour, and was awarded the rank of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.
Jean Christophe Fleury, the Consul General of France, presided over the ceremony at the Coquitlam RCMP detachment on Tuesday. The Legion of Honour is France's highest honour and illustrates the profound gratitude from the French government for the country's liberation during the Second World War.
A tail gunner, Cumbers flew 39 missions during the war. When he returned home, he volunteered with the Vancouver Fire Department and served with the Royal Canadian Navy. He has also spent the last eight years volunteering at the Ridgeway community police station in Coquitlam.
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