For most of Ernest Brien’s life, he was a gruff and stoic man. But in his last few decades, that changed. With the gentle encouragement of his son-in-law, he began to open up to his family about his heroic past serving in World War II and the Korean War.
With that, he softened – and began to share his emotions and connect with his family in a way he never had before. Ernest Brien, who died in late December at 103, was awarded the highest French decoration, the Legion of Honor, for his service in World War II. Photo courtesy of Warren and Kathleen Giering A crowd of around 35 people gathered outside of Portland City Hall under sunny skies Saturday to celebrate Brien, a Portland native who died in late December at 103 , as he was posthumously awarded the highest French decoration, the Legion of Honor, for his service in World War II.
The medal, which is given to those who have provided a significant public service to France in a civilian or military capacity, was presented to Brien’s family by the honorary consul of France in Maine, Alban Maino, and the president of the Alliance Francaise Maine, Regine Whittlesey. “This medallion serves as a symbol of our enduring gratitude for the sacrifices he made and the unwavering courage he demonstrated in service to our country,” Maino said. “Through his service, he exemplified the highest values of honor, duty and patriotism.
” A total of 79,000 people have been awarded the Legion of Honor . On average, 2,000 French and 300.
