Nancy Callahan and her family were present this spring to witness the bestowing of the honor of “Chevalier” (Knight) of the National Order of Légion D’Honneur for the French Government on their father, Donald Lytle. He was honored by the Consul General of France in San Francisco and the honor was bestowed by Gabrielle Applequist, the Honorary Consul of Idaho and former President of the Alliance Française in Boise, Idaho. She bestowed the Medal of Honor after her remarks from the President of the Republic of France in appreciation for Mr. Lytle’s efforts in the liberation of France during World War II.

Many members of the Alliance Française of Boise, Idaho were present as well as friends, family and fellow veterans.

“It was a great honor for our family as my father also received the Purple Heart for his injury and efforts in the Battle of the Bulge on Christmas Eve 1944,” explained Callahan. “He was then stationed with the Ordinance Corps in Paris and Versailles where he ultimately met my mother. They were married on August 12, 1946 and celebrated their 71st anniversary this month,” she continued.

Thus, Nancy Marie-Odile Lytle (Callahan) was born in America and raised in a French and American household. Nancy Callahan is the current President of the AFNWCT.