France Honours Last Survivor of French D-day Commando Unit

French President Emmanuel Macron listens to French war veteran Leon Gautier, a member of the Kieffer commando, during a D-Day commemoration ceremony in memory of marines and the famed Kieffer commandos who took part in D-Day landings, in Colleville-Montgomery, France, on June 6, 2019. Francois Mori/Pool via Reuters

PARIS—President Emmanuel Macron gave one of France’s highest honours on Friday to Leon Gautier, the last surviving member of the French commando unit that waded onshore on D-Day alongside allied troops to begin the liberation of Europe.

Gautier, 98, rose from his wheelchair to stand, leaning on two sticks, as Macron pinned the medal on his chest. The president then kissed him on both cheeks and embraced him. Gautier was made a Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour.