Smith '58 Made Knight of the Legion of Honor

Anthony (Tony) Smith,'58, was honored by the Republic of France on Nov. 28, 2005, with the award of Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor).

Ambassador Jean-David Levitte presented the award to Smith at a private ceremony and reception at the ambassador's residence in Washington, D.C.  In attendance were several members of Smith's family as well as a number of his West Point classmates and friends.

In his remarks at the presentation, the ambassador noted Smith's long association with France, beginning as a young student living in France, continuing with numerous military assignments as well as a post-military career assignment representing Otis Elevator in Paris, and concluding with his recent stint as the president of the French-American Foundation in New York. Ambassador Levitte praised Smith's record of accomplishments in improving the mutual understanding between France and the United States and furthering the "perpetual alliance" between the two countries.

Among the few Americans to be similarly honored as members of the Legion are Norman Schwarzkopf, '56, and Colin Powell.

The French Embassy provides the following remarks on the Legion Of Honor:

From the beginning, it has been conferred on illustrious individuals in all walks of life--the military, magistrates, administrators and civil servants as well as men of distinguished achievement in the arts, fine arts, teaching, agriculture, trade and industry.

From the outset, the emperor intended membership in the Legion of Honor to be a distinction of such illustriousness that it would fire people's imagination, spur soldiers to valor and be held in high esteem in other countries.

Suffice it to say that the scarlet ribbon from which the cross with its motto "Honneur et Patrie" is suspended is coveted to this day by the most illustrious men and women of France and much esteemed abroad.