LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

Wapello Republican, Wapello, IA Thursday, March 11, 1999, front page
Transcribed by Lynn McCleary, July 23, 2017

FRANCE'S HIGHEST HONOR GIVEN TO MORNING SUN MAN

Pictured: Richard Kestevens, director of the Department of Veterans Affairs, left, and French Deputy Consul General Jean Pierre Tutin posed with World War I veteran Campbell Granaman of Morning Sun after Tutin presented Granaman with the National Order of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest decoration, on March 4.

Morning Sun – Campbell “Cam” Granaman was teary eyed Thursday as he was honored for his military service during World War I. Granaman, 104, was awarded France’s highest decoration, the National Order of the Legion of Honor.

French Deputy Consul General Jean Pierre Tutin presented the medal on behalf of Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic of France.

Tutin told Granaman that is was the French president who decided to honor the Americans who fought on French soil. “Many of our people have kept in their hearts their memories of the war. Many of them lost their families, brothers and other relatives.”

Granaman served in Gen. John Pershing’s honor guard while in France. “On Nov. 10, 1918, his company received orders to go to the front line.” Said his son Lester Granaman of Sperry. “They were at the train station ready to go to the battlefield, on Nov. 11 when the cease fire was announced.” “He’s said many times that he would never forget that day.”

Granaman’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present for the big event.

Grandson Jeff Housman said that his grandfather kept his “army book” in a special place. “Whenever I visited we talked about his experiences a lot.” He said, “He influenced me a great deal.”

The Granaman family has a long history of military service Campbell Granaman’s father served in the Civil War, his son Lester was in the Army during the Korean Conflict and grandson Jeff Houseman was more recently a Marine.

Granaman’s first century wasn’t always easy. At the age of 9, his hair fell out and he became known as “Baldy.” “Imagine how hard it was for a 9-year-oldboy t have to face the teasing,’ said his son, Lester.

At 22, Granaman was drafted into the American Expeditionary Force, and spent two years in France during World War I. When he returned home in the summer of 1919, he was saddened to learn that his father had died while he was in France.

He survived the Great Depressions by working on roads in Lee County, receiving $1.50 a month for his team of horses and $1.00 for himself.

Granaman is at home now at the Morning Sun Care Center where a crowd gathered Thursday for a special ceremony.

The children though it was a pretty exciting day, even though they weren’t just sure what it was all about. Eight –year- old Laymon Housman of Burlington said his dad, Jeff, had told him stories about his great-grandpa. “My mother told me he was a hero,” said great-granddaughter Jenny McCauslin of Quincy, Ill.

Granaman’s neighbor, Carl Miller, remembers him fondly and was very proud t be present for the award ceremony. “He was tops as a guy to work with,” he said. “He had a teffic sense of humor and was always in a happy mood. He taught me a lot’

During ceremonies Thursday, the U. S. Army National Guard, based in Burlington, served as the color guard. Gov. Tom Vilsack proclaimed March 3, 1999, as National Order of the Legion of Honor Day. In the proclamation, he stated that “Iowa’s veterans of World War I left home and family to serve our nation and protect our people at great personal sacrifice.” Mayor Trish Schaefer lauded the “doughboys who answered their nation’s call.” “They are an elite group of recipients and the recognition is well deserved,” she said. She told Granaman, “We are proud to have you as part of our community.”

Richard Kesteven, director of the Department of Veterans Affairs, said Granaman’s sacrifice is one of the most noble things a person can do. “The men must have been terrified by the prospects of the trenches,” he said. “…Our history classes should tell the story of these fine people. “We should reflect how the sacrifices made by that generation have benefited the world beyond Iowa.” He said. “They won and preserved the freedom and rights that we enjoy today.”

About 300 World War I vets are still living. In Iowa, besides Granaman, Lee Trask, Emmett Johns, Isaac Martin and Clifton Struthers are similarly honored in Des Moines Wednesday. Of the veterans being recognized for their courage in the defense of France in 1917-1919, the youngest is 99 years old.

The Legion of Honor was initiated by Napoleon in 1802 to honor those who have served France, whether through civilian or military accomplishments.

Pictured on page 3: Lest Granaman of Sperry, Leona Schmeiser of West Burlington and Doris Housman of rural Burlington sit with their father, Campbell Granaman during award ceremony Thursday when Granaman received an award from the French government for his service during World War I.