On July 11, within days of the 64th anniversary of the Normandy invasion, a local World War II veteran and his wife were honored at a ceremony at their home on Cary. Presided over by Col. Ben C. Clapsaddle of the U.S. Army and members of Boy Scout Troop 500 of Wake Forest, Sgt. Millard M. Ferrell was knighted into the Order of St. George and presented with the Order of St. George Bronze Medallion in recognition of his outstanding service to our nation.

Ferrell, 4th Armored Division, entered combat on the Normandy peninsula on July 17, 1944 and was in continuous action during the third U.S. Army’s attack across France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany and Czechoslovakia. Participating in every battle during Lt. Gen. George Patton’s lightning attack, he helped to maintain his unit at the leading edge of the attack against the German forces. Ferrell’s leadership and strength while under enemy fire kept his unit always in the fight, helping to speed the end of the war. For more than 65 years Ferrell has served as an advocate and voice reminding the community and nation of the sacrifices made by our veterans and soldiers.

In 1986 the U.S. Armor Association began an awards program to honor the very best of America’s tankers and troopers. The award of the Bronze Medallion of the Order of St. George is the U.S. Armor Association’s recognition of the awardee as the very best of tankers or armored cavalrymen.

In the same ceremony, Ferrell’s wife of 65 years, Louise Harward Ferrell, was awarded the Order of St. Joan D’Arc Medallion for having significantly contributed to the health, welfare and morale of her husband during the years of his service. After her husband’s return from Europe she joined him in raising a family, serving her church and improving the community. Mrs. Ferrell has tirelessly given her time and energy to help everyone around her.

The United States Armor Association has established the Order of Saint Joan D’Arc to honor ladies who voluntarily contributed significantly to the morale, spirit and welfare of Armor or Calvary units and communities.

Attending from Boy Scout Troop 500 were junior assistant Scout masters Nathan Clapsaddle and David Klemp who assisted Col. Clapsaddle and Assistant Scout Master Matt Klemp with award presentations and knighting.