Ocean City Council honored John "Jack" Kreider for his World War II service.
City Council honored an Ocean City resident who served in World War II and recently received France's highest honor for his bravery in liberating the country from Nazi occupation.
Jack Kreider received the Knight of the French Legion of Honor award in May. He joins the late George Fulton and Joe Caserta as Ocean City residents receiving the same honor.
A soft-spoken Kreider told council the recognition is "for participation, not heroism" and that France was truly grateful for its liberation after four years under Nazi rule.
Kreider thanked council for recognition and the American Legion for their work in gathering information for the award.
A council resolution honoring Kreider is as follows:
WHEREAS, on May 9, 2014, John "Jack" Kreider received France's highest award, its Medal of Honor, becoming a "Chevalier" or "Knight of the French Legion of Honor," and
WHEREAS, Jack served our country during World War II, landing in Normandy, France in July 1944, becoming part of General Patton's 3rd Army, joining the 42nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, the regiment known as "Ghosts of Patton's Army" due to their ability to conduct reconnaissance seemingly at will behind German lines; and
WHEREAS, Jack was a radio operator attached to Troop "B" 42nd Cavalry in an M8 "Greyhound" armored car where he communicated with other units on the location of German resistance; and
WHEREAS, Jack received American and foreign official decorations and citations, which included the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European, African, Middle East Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars; World War II Victory Medal and a citation by United States President Harry S. Truman; and
WHEREAS, Ocean City resident Jack Kreider is a member of the Morvay-Miley American Legion Post 524, where he is involved in many activities supporting our veterans and is a volunteer at the Ocean City Community Food Cupboard
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ocean City, New Jersey, that we hereby recognize John "Jack" Kreider for his bravery and his faithful service to Our Great Country.
