Don Butt, one of the last surviving heroes of the D-Day Normandy landings, has been awarded the prestigious Légion d’Honneur medal, fulfilling a lifelong wish. More than 80 years after bravely participating in the historic invasion, the 100-year-old was presented with the medal in a moving ceremony attended by Royal Marines.
Having joined the Royal Marines at just 17, Don was part of the first wave landing at Juno Beach on D-Day. Though his officers deemed him ‘too young’ to fully disembark onto the beach, he courageously held fast in the water, clinging to ropes amidst intense gunfire and explosions to help troops ashore. Don witnessed the horrors of war firsthand, including the loss of comrades in battle.
For decades, Don refrained from speaking about his wartime experiences, believing he was ineligible for recognition due to his age. It was only recently that he began sharing his story with family and fellow veterans, sparking efforts to secure the medal from French authorities. Despite an initial rejection for undisclosed reasons, a renewed application was expedited following guidance from the UK Ministry of Defence and support from the Royal Marines Historical Society.
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Don’s daughter, Karen Cetin, expressed immense pride: “This medal means everything to Dad. We raced against time to ensure he was recognized before it was too late. As a family, we couldn’t be prouder of his achievements.”
The honour was formalized in a letter from Hélène Duchêne, French Ambassador to the UK, praising Don’s pivotal role in liberating France and emphasizing the debt owed to heroes like him for securing Europe’s peace and freedom.
Reflecting on the award, Don said it would “complete my pack” and called it his “final ambition.” Now surrounded by medals from other campaigns in Germany and the Pacific, this recognition beautifully completes the story of his extraordinary service during World War II.
Following the landings, Don made multiple trips ferrying troops to Cherbourg and later served in the Pacific. His 42,000 miles at sea during the war are a testament to his dedication and endurance. After the war, he built a family life in Somerset, marrying his wife Marguerite for 66 years and raising children, grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Only recently did Don openly recount his wartime memories, moving past the silence that had shrouded his experiences. His story stands as a poignant reminder of sacrifice, courage, and the long-overdue recognition owed to those who served.
John Rawlinson of the Royal Marines Historical Society praised Don’s perseverance and honoured service, concluding, “Once a marine, always a marine.”