Two local World War Two veterans were honored with France's highest distinction - the Legion of Honor.

William Alfonsi of Hermitage and Dominick Aluisia of New Castle were chosen because of their exceptional service to France.

Alfonsi parachuted into occupied France where he assisted its resistance by providing crucial information behind enemy lines.

Meanwhile, Aluisia was a power generation technician and played a crucial role in protecting airports. His battalion is credited with saving more than 4,000 allied aircraft by illuminating airfields and tracking enemy aircraft with radar.

"The term 'The Greatest Generation' for the last several decades to describe World War Two veterans and what they did, they are indeed that," said Eric Montgomery, a WWII advocate. "They grew up in the depression era, fought a world war and then built the America that we know and love today."

The honor was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and is meant to honor those who have accomplished great deeds for France.