A Saundersfoot D-Day veteran has been awarded one of France’s highest military decorations in recognition of his wartime exploits.

Don Hart, of Brooklands Place, was recently made a Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur by the French government in recognition of his army service during World War II.

Ninety-six-year-old Don, who was born in Aberdare and moved to Saundersfoot with his wife Joan, 32 years ago, recently received his medal, and a letter of thanks from the French Ambassador.

“I offer you my warmest congratulations on this high honour of recognition of your acknowledged engagement and your steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War,” wrote the Ambassador Sylvie-Agnès Bermann in a letter to Don.

The French government has been awarding the Légion d’honneur medal to D-Day veterans as a way of honouring and thanking those who fought and risked their lives to secure France’s liberation during World War II.

A retired golf course greenkeeper, Don served with the 2nd Battalion Welsh Guards from May, 1940 until July, 1946.

He met Joan, who served with the Royal Air Force, and then became an office worker, and they married in 1948.

“Joan was one of the first computer girls, and our son Laurence, who works in the computer industry for IBM, lives with his family in Connecticut, so it’s handy that we all know how to use an iPad to keep in touch in between the visits they make back!” joked Don.

“It’s nice that France seem to appreciate the British troops’ involvement in World War II by honouring veterans with this decoration,” remarked Don about the award he has been given.