News Releases

State Sen. Liz Brown presents WWII veteran Norvin D. McClure with Sagamore of the Wabash

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2022) – State Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) recently presented the Sagamore of the Wabash to World War II hero, Norvin D. McClure, at a ceremony held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

McClure received the award for his heroic service in World War II. In November of 2021, he received the French Legion d'honneur, which is the highest award the French can bestow upon someone that has done great deeds for France. The French Legion d'honneur was presented at a ceremony at Camp Shelby in Mississippi. The ceremony was held at Camp Shelby because the 65th Infantry Division trained there before being shipped over to France. McClure arrived in France in January 1945 with the U.S. Army's Headquarters and Service Company, 265th Engineer Combat Battalion, 65th Infantry Division.

During the Camp Shelby ceremony, a proclamation from Brown was read by U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo (MS-4).

“I would like to personally thank Mr. McClure for his service to our nation, and I am thankful he is able to enjoy the recognition he deserves,” Brown said. “Our American freedoms have been preserved from one generation to the next thanks to patriots like Mr. McClure. Our military veterans deserve our deepest gratitude and respect.”

The Sagamore of the Wabash is the highest honor the governor of Indiana bestows. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor. Among those who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to our Hoosier heritage.

Click here to watch the formal presentation of the French Legion d'honneur being given to McClure at Camp Shelby in Mississippi in November.

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Click here for a high-resolution photo of Brown.