List of foreign recipients of the Légion d'Honneur
Encyclopedia
Technically, membership in the Légion d'Honneur
is restricted to French nationals. Foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds may, however, receive a distinction of the Légion, which is nearly the same thing as membership in the Légion. Foreign nationals who live in France are submitted to the same requirements as Frenchmen. Foreign nationals who live abroad may be awarded a distinction of any rank or dignity in the Légion.
The individuals listed below are among the approximately 10,000 Americans who have received the decoration
Légion d'honneur
The Legion of Honour, or in full the National Order of the Legion of Honour is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the Consulat which succeeded to the First Republic, on 19 May 1802...
is restricted to French nationals. Foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds may, however, receive a distinction of the Légion, which is nearly the same thing as membership in the Légion. Foreign nationals who live in France are submitted to the same requirements as Frenchmen. Foreign nationals who live abroad may be awarded a distinction of any rank or dignity in the Légion.
Australia
- GeneralGeneral (Australia)General is the second highest rank, and the highest active rank, of the Australian Army and was created as a direct equivalent of the British military rank of General; it is also considered a four-star rank....
Peter CosgrovePeter CosgroveGeneral Peter John Cosgrove AC, MC is a retired Australian Army officer. He was the Chief of the Defence Force from 3 July 2002 to 3 July 2005, when he retired from active service...
, AC, MCMilitary CrossThe Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
, Chief of the Defence Force, Officer of the Legion of Honour - Her Excellency Professor Marie BashirMarie BashirMarie Roslyn Bashir AC, CVO is the present Governor of New South Wales since 2001 and also the Chancellor of the University of Sydney since 2007. Born in Narrandera, New South Wales, Bashir graduated from the University of Sydney in 1956 and held various medical positions, with a particular...
, AC, CVO (2009), Governor of New South Wales, Chavalier of the Legion of Honour. - Suzanne CorySuzanne CorySuzanne Cory, AC, FAA, FRS is an Australian biologist.Cory is the current President of the Australian Academy of Science. She is the first-elected female President of the Academy and took office on 7 May 2010 for a five year term...
, AC (2009), professor of medical research with the Institut Pasteur was appointed Chevalier - Air Chief MarshalAir Chief Marshal (Australia)Air chief marshal is the highest active rank of the Royal Australian Air Force and was created as a direct equivalent of the British Royal Air Force rank of air chief marshal. It is also considered a four-star rank...
Angus HoustonAngus HoustonAir Chief Marshal Allan Grant "Angus" Houston AC, AFC is a retired senior commander of the Royal Australian Air Force and was the Chief of the Defence Force from 4 July 2005 until his retirement on 3 July 2011...
, AC, AFCAir Force Cross (United Kingdom)The Air Force Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom Armed Forces, and formerly also to officers of the other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying, though not in active operations against the enemy"...
(2007), Chief of the Australian Defence Force, was appointed Commandeur - GeneralGeneral (Australia)General is the second highest rank, and the highest active rank, of the Australian Army and was created as a direct equivalent of the British military rank of General; it is also considered a four-star rank....
Sir John MonashJohn MonashGeneral Sir John Monash GCMG, KCB, VD was a civil engineer who became the Australian military commander in the First World War. He commanded the 13th Infantry Brigade before the War and then became commander of the 4th Brigade in Egypt shortly after the outbreak of the War with whom he took part...
, GCMG, KCB, VDVolunteer DecorationThe Volunteer Officers' Decoration was created by Royal Warrant under command of Queen Victoria on 25 July 1892 to reward 'efficient and capable' officers of the Volunteer Force who had served for twenty years...
, Appointed Grand Officier during the First World WarWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918... - Ross SteeleRoss SteeleRoss Steele AM is an Australian author, academic and Francophile. He has published thirty-four books in French and English on the subjects including French culture, language and the teaching of French language...
, AM (1996, 2008), for promoting the teaching of French language and culture; appointed Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur in 1996 and Officier in the Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur in 2008 - Nancy WakeNancy WakeNancy Grace Augusta Wake, AC, GM , served as a British agent during the later part of World War II. She became a leading figure in the maquis groups of the French Resistance and was one of the Allies' most decorated servicewomen of the war.-Early life:Born in Roseneath, Wellington, New Zealand in...
, AC, GMGeorge MedalThe George Medal is the second level civil decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.The GM was instituted on 24 September 1940 by King George VI. At this time, during the height of The Blitz, there was a strong desire to reward the many acts of civilian courage...
(1970, 1988), one of the most decorated Allied servicewomen of World War II serving as a French ResistanceFrench ResistanceThe French Resistance is the name used to denote the collection of French resistance movements that fought against the Nazi German occupation of France and against the collaborationist Vichy régime during World War II...
commander, was appointed Chevalier in 1970 and Officier in 1988. - The Rt. Hon. Sir Ninian StephenNinian StephenSir Ninian Martin Stephen, is a retired politician and judge, who served as the 20th Governor-General of Australia and as a Justice in the High Court of Australia.-Early life:...
, KG, AK, GCMG, GCVO, KBE (1983), Governor General of Australia, Commander of the Legion of Honour. - Lieutenant ColonelLieutenant colonelLieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
Sir Michael BruxnerMichael BruxnerLieutenant Colonel Sir Michael Frederick Bruxner KBE, DSO, JP was an Australian politician and soldier, serving for many years as Leader of the Country Party and its predecessors...
, KBE, DSO, JPJustice of the PeaceA justice of the peace is a puisne judicial officer elected or appointed by means of a commission to keep the peace. Depending on the jurisdiction, they might dispense summary justice or merely deal with local administrative applications in common law jurisdictions...
(1917), later to become a prominent NSW politician, was appointed as a Chevalier "in recognition of distinguished services" during the Sinai and Palestine CampaignSinai and Palestine CampaignThe Sinai and Palestine Campaigns took place in the Middle Eastern Theatre of World War I. A series of battles were fought between British Empire, German Empire and Ottoman Empire forces from 26 January 1915 to 31 October 1918, when the Armistice of Mudros was signed between the Ottoman Empire and...
in the First World War.
Brazil
- José Paranhos, Viscount of Rio Branco, was decorated with the Grand Cross.
- Pedro de Araújo Lima, Marquis of OlindaPedro de Araújo Lima, Marquis of OlindaPedro de Araújo Lima, the Marquis of Olinda Pedro de Araújo Lima, the Marquis of Olinda Pedro de Araújo Lima, the Marquis of Olinda (Sirinhaem, 22 December 1793 — Rio de Janeiro, 7 June 1870, was a statesman and monarchist during the period of the Empire of Brazil (1822–1889). His long political...
, was decorated with the Grand Cross. - Emperor Dom Pedro II of Brazil, was decorated with the Grand Cross.
- Epitácio Lindolfo da Silva Pessoa, President, he was decorated with the Grand Cross
- Senator Rodrigo Augusto da SilvaRodrigo Augusto da SilvaRodrigo Augusto da Silva a Brazilian senator for life, minister and a privy counsellor of Emperor Peter II of Brazil. He was a member of the Silva de Carvalho family from São Paulo, the son of José Manuel da Silva and nephew of financier Benedito Antonio da Silva...
, foreign minister in 1889, decorated with the Grand Cross - Fernando Henrique CardosoFernando Henrique CardosoFernando Henrique Cardoso – also known by his initials FHC – was the 34th President of the Federative Republic of Brazil for two terms from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 2002. He is an accomplished sociologist, professor and politician...
, was decorated with the Grand Cross.
Canada
- William Avery "Billy" BishopBilly BishopAir Marshal William Avery "Billy" Bishop VC, CB, DSO & Bar, MC, DFC, ED was a Canadian First World War flying ace, officially credited with 72 victories, making him the top Canadian ace, and according to some sources, the top ace of the British Empire.-Early life:Bishop was born in Owen Sound,...
VCVictoria CrossThe Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
(1918), Air MarshalAir MarshalAir marshal is a three-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...
and highest scoring Canadian ace of the First World War; appointed Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur - Jean CharestJean CharestJohn James "Jean" Charest, PC, MNA is a Canadian politician who has been the 29th Premier of Quebec since 2003. He was leader of the federal Progressive Conservative Party of Canada from 1993 to 1998 and has been leader of the Quebec Liberal Party since 1998....
(2008), QuebecQuebecQuebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
premier, was invested as a Commandeur of L'Ordre de la Légion d'honneur de France - David CronenbergDavid CronenbergDavid Paul Cronenberg, OC, FRSC is a Canadian filmmaker, screenwriter and actor. He is one of the principal originators of what is commonly known as the body horror or venereal horror genre. This style of filmmaking explores people's fears of bodily transformation and infection. In his films, the...
(2009), film director whose credits include CrashCrash (1996 film)Crash is a 1996 Canadian/British drama thriller film written and directed by David Cronenberg based on the J. G. Ballard 1973 novel of the same name. It tells the story of a group of people who take sexual pleasure from car accidents, a notable form of paraphilia. The film generated considerable...
and The FlyThe Fly (1986 film)The Fly is a 1986 science fiction horror film co-written and directed by David Cronenberg. Produced by 20th Century Fox, and Brooksfilms, the film stars Jeff Goldblum, Geena Davis and John Getz. It is a remake of the 1958 film of the same name, but retains only the basic premise of a scientist...
; appointed Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des LettresOrdre des Arts et des LettresThe Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is an Order of France, established on 2 May 1957 by the Minister of Culture, and confirmed as part of the Ordre national du Mérite by President Charles de Gaulle in 1963... - Sir Arthur CurrieArthur CurrieSir Arthur William Currie GCMG, KCB , was a Canadian general during World War I. He had the unique distinction of starting his military career on the very bottom rung as a pre-war militia gunner before rising through the ranks to become the first Canadian commander of the four divisions of the...
, GeneralGeneralA general officer is an officer of high military rank, usually in the army, and in some nations, the air force. The term is widely used by many nations of the world, and when a country uses a different term, there is an equivalent title given....
and Commander of the Canadian CorpsCanadian CorpsThe Canadian Corps was a World War I corps formed from the Canadian Expeditionary Force in September 1915 after the arrival of the 2nd Canadian Division in France. The corps was expanded by the addition of the 3rd Canadian Division in December 1915 and the 4th Canadian Division in August 1916...
during the First World War and victor of the Battle of Vimy RidgeBattle of Vimy RidgeThe Battle of Vimy Ridge was a military engagement fought primarily as part of the Battle of Arras, in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region of France, during the First World War. The main combatants were the Canadian Corps, of four divisions, against three divisions of the German Sixth Army... - Harry De Wolf, Vice AdmiralVice AdmiralVice admiral is a senior naval rank of a three-star flag officer, which is equivalent to lieutenant general in the other uniformed services. A vice admiral is typically senior to a rear admiral and junior to an admiral...
and Chief of the Naval Staff and former commanding officer of HMCS Haida - Céline DionCeline DionCéline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
international celebrity, Canadian singer, appointed Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur - Leonard W. MurrayLeonard W. MurrayRear Admiral Leonard Warren Murray, CB, CBE was a officer of the Royal Canadian Navy who played a significant role in the Battle of the Atlantic. He commanded the Newfoundland Escort Force from 1941–1943, and from 1943 to the end of the war was Commander-in-Chief, Canadian Northwest Atlantic...
(1945), Rear AdmiralRear AdmiralRear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"...
and Commander in Chief of Canadian Northwest AtlanticCanadian Northwest AtlanticCanadian Northwest Atlantic Command was the zone of operations during the Battle of the Atlantic that stretched from north of New York City to 47 degrees west. It was set up at the Atlantic Convoy Conference, held in Washington DC from 1-12 March 1943, and placed under the command of Rear-Admiral...
, architect of the Battle of the Atlantic; appointed Commandeur with Military Cross and Palm de la Légion d'Honneur - Percy W. NellesPercy W. NellesPercy Walker Nelles, CB was a flag officer in the Royal Canadian Navy and the Chief of the Naval Staff from 1934 to 1944. He oversaw the massive wartime expansion of the RCN and the transformation of Canada into a major player in the Battle of the Atlantic. During his tenure U-boats raided the...
(1946), AdmiralAdmiralAdmiral is the rank, or part of the name of the ranks, of the highest naval officers. It is usually considered a full admiral and above vice admiral and below admiral of the fleet . It is usually abbreviated to "Adm" or "ADM"...
and Chief of the Naval Staff during the Second World War; appointed Commandeur - Desmond PiersDesmond PiersRear Admiral Desmond William Piers, CM, DSC was a rear-admiral in the Royal Canadian Navy. Born in Halifax and long-time resident of Chester, Nova Scotia, Piers served in the RCN from 1932 to 1967. In 1930, he was the first graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada to join the RCN...
, Rear AdmiralRear AdmiralRear admiral is a naval commissioned officer rank above that of a commodore and captain, and below that of a vice admiral. It is generally regarded as the lowest of the "admiral" ranks, which are also sometimes referred to as "flag officers" or "flag ranks"...
and former commanding officer of HMCS AlgonquinHMCS Algonquin (R17)HMCS Algonquin was a V-Class World War II destroyer, laid down for the Royal Navy as HMS Valentine and transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy on completion....
; appointed Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur - Wilder PenfieldWilder PenfieldWilder Graves Penfield, OM, CC, CMG, FRS was an American born Canadian neurosurgeon. During his life he was called "the greatest living Canadian"...
, a Canadian neurosurgeon.
India
- Mohamed Haniff (1937), a Tamil born in Pondicherry of French India was accorded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur. He was also the Deputy Mayor of Pondicherry during the French rule in India
- Dr. Alexander (2010), actor and magician from Tamil Nadu
- J.M.Abdul Aziz (1953), TamilTamil peopleTamil people , also called Tamils or Tamilians, are an ethnic group native to Tamil Nadu, India and the north-eastern region of Sri Lanka. Historic and post 15th century emigrant communities are also found across the world, notably Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa, Australia, Canada,...
and Saigon businessman and philanthropist, received the title of Chevalier - Amitabh BachchanAmitabh BachchanAmitabh Bachchan is an Indian film actor. He first gained popularity in the early 1970s as the "angry young man" of Hindi cinema, and has since appeared in over 180 Indian films in a career spanning more than four decades...
(2007), Bollywood actor - Sivaji GanesanSivaji GanesanViluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with...
(1995), legendary Tamil film actor, received the title of Chevalier - Adoor GopalakrishnanAdoor GopalakrishnanMoutatthu "Adoor" Gopalakrishnan Unnithan is an Indian film director, script writer, and producer. Adoor Gopalakrishnan had a major role in revolutionizing Malayalam cinema and is regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of India.. Adoor's first film Swayamvaram pioneered the new wave cinema...
(2003), a film director - Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala, Maharaja of Kapurthala
- Shaji N. KarunShaji N. KarunShaji Neelakantan Karun is a National Award-winning Indian film director and cinematographer. His debut film Piravi won the Caméra d'Or - Mention d'honneur at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival...
(1999), film director and cinematographer - Lata MangeshkarLata MangeshkarLata Mangeshkar is a singer from India. She is one of the best-known and most respected playback singers in India. Mangeshkar's career started in 1942 and has spanned over six and a half decades. She has recorded songs for over a thousand Hindi films and has sung songs in over thirty-six regional...
(2007), singer - Zubin MehtaZubin MehtaZubin Mehta is an Indian conductor of western classical music. He is the Music Director for Life of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.-Biography:...
(2001), conductor, double-bass player - N. R. Narayana MurthyN. R. Narayana MurthyNagavara Ramarao Narayana Murthy , better known as N. R. Narayana Murthy, is an Indian industrialist and software engineer. He and six other engineers founded Infosys in 1981. Mr. Murthy served as CEO from 1981 to 2002. From 2002 to 2011, he served as Chairman...
, Infosys founder - R.K. Pachauri (2006), chairman of IPCC
- Asha PandeAsha PandeDr. Asha Pande and first Indian Woman to receive Légion d'honneurShe is founder director of the university's Master in European Studies programme and heads the Department of Dramatics at Rajasthan University, and Center for French and Francophone Studies. Dr...
(2009), Foreign Language Department, University of Rajasthan for encouraging the teaching and cultural activities of France - Satyajit RaySatyajit RaySatyajit Ray was an Indian Bengali filmmaker. He is regarded as one of the greatest auteurs of 20th century cinema. Ray was born in the city of Kolkata into a Bengali family prominent in the world of arts and literature...
(1987), President François Mitterrand went to Calcutta to give the award to Indian film director - Ravi ShankarRavi ShankarRavi Shankar , often referred to by the title Pandit, is an Indian musician and composer who plays the plucked string instrument sitar. He has been described as the best known contemporary Indian musician by Hans Neuhoff in Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart.Shankar was born in Varanasi and spent...
(2000), composer, musician, Sitar maestro, artist - E. SreedharanE. SreedharanElattuvalapil Sreedharan is the managing director of Delhi Metro.-Early life:E. Sreedharan was born in a family of Palakkad district, Kerala. His family hails from Karukaputhoor in Palakkad district of Kerala...
(2005), a technocrat known for Konkan Rail and Delhi Metro Rail Projects
Ireland
- Bill CullenBill Cullen (businessman)William 'Bill' Cullen is an Irish businessman, philanthropist, reality TV & media personality. He is the former owner of the Renault Ireland franchise until it was taken under more direct control by Renault in 2007. A well-known figure in Ireland, Cullen has made numerous appearances on RTÉ's The...
was appointed Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur for his efforts in saving Renault Ireland from bankruptcy - Edward Westby DonovanEdward Westby DonovanLieutenant General Edward Westby Donovan was Commander of British Troops in China, Hong Kong and the Straits Settlements.-Military career:...
, who fought in the Crimean WarCrimean WarThe Crimean War was a conflict fought between the Russian Empire and an alliance of the French Empire, the British Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Kingdom of Sardinia. The war was part of a long-running contest between the major European powers for influence over territories of the declining...
, was appointed Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur - William James LendrimWilliam James LendrimWilliam James Lendrim VC was born Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim, Ireland and was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.-Details:He was 25 years old, and a...
VC, Sergeant-Major, Royal Engineers. A corporal in the Royal Sappers and Miners, British Army during the Crimean War. - Pat Nash, Lieutenant General, Operational Commander of Eufor TCHAD & CAR, was appointed Officier de la Légion d'Honneur
- Joe WalshJoe Walsh (Irish politician)Joe Walsh is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was a Teachta Dála for Cork South West and was first elected as a TD at the 1977 general election. He lost his seat in 1981 but regained it again in 1982 and served as a TD until retiring at the 2007 general election...
(2002), former Irish Minister for Agriculture and Food, was appointed Grand Cross de la Légion d'Honneur
Japan
- Itō HirobumiIto HirobumiPrince was a samurai of Chōshū domain, Japanese statesman, four time Prime Minister of Japan , genrō and Resident-General of Korea. Itō was assassinated by An Jung-geun, a Korean nationalist who was against the annexation of Korea by the Japanese Empire...
(1898), former Prime Minister of JapanPrime Minister of JapanThe is the head of government of Japan. He is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being designated by the Diet from among its members, and must enjoy the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in office...
, was appointed Grand Croix (Grand Cross). - AkihitoAkihitois the current , the 125th emperor of his line according to Japan's traditional order of succession. He acceded to the throne in 1989.-Name:In Japan, the emperor is never referred to by his given name, but rather is referred to as "His Imperial Majesty the Emperor" which may be shortened to . In...
, the current Emperor of JapanEmperor of JapanThe Emperor of Japan is, according to the 1947 Constitution of Japan, "the symbol of the state and of the unity of the people." He is a ceremonial figurehead under a form of constitutional monarchy and is head of the Japanese Imperial Family with functions as head of state. He is also the highest...
, was appointed Grand Croix. - Tōgō HeihachirōTogo HeihachiroFleet Admiral Marquis was a Fleet Admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy and one of Japan's greatest naval heroes. He was termed by Western journalists as "the Nelson of the East".-Early life:...
, Fleet Admiral in the Imperial Japanese NavyImperial Japanese NavyThe Imperial Japanese Navy was the navy of the Empire of Japan from 1869 until 1947, when it was dissolved following Japan's constitutional renunciation of the use of force as a means of settling international disputes...
, was appointed Grand Officier (Grand Officer). - Yasuhiro NakasoneYasuhiro Nakasoneis a Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan from November 27, 1982 to November 6, 1987. A contemporary of Brian Mulroney, Ronald Reagan, Helmut Kohl, François Mitterrand, Margaret Thatcher, and Mikhail Gorbachev, he is best known for pushing through the privatization of...
, former Prime Minister of JapanPrime Minister of JapanThe is the head of government of Japan. He is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being designated by the Diet from among its members, and must enjoy the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in office...
, was appointed Grand Officier. - Akito ArimaAkito Arimais a Japanese nuclear physicist, known for the interacting boson model.Arima was born 1930 in Osaka. He studied at the University of Tokyo, where he received his doctorate in 1958. He became a research associate at the Institute for Nuclear Studies, the University of Tokyo in 1956. He became a...
(1998), Japanese nuclear physicist, was appointed Grand Officier. - Shoichiro ToyodaShoichiro Toyodais a Japanese business leader, serving as chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation between 1992–1999 and also serving as chairman of the powerful , beginning in May 1994 through May 1998.- Family tree :...
(2005), former chairman of Toyota Motor CorporationToyota Motor Corporation, , , commonly known simply as Toyota and abbreviated as TMC, is a multinational automaker headquartered in Toyota, Aichi, Japan. In 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation employed 317,734 people worldwide, and was the world's largest automobile manufacturer by production.The company was founded by...
, was appointed Grand Officier. - Kōichirō MatsuuraKoichiro Matsuurais a Japanese diplomat. He is the former Director-General of UNESCO. He was first elected in 1999 to a six-year term and reelected on 12 October 2005 for four years, following a reform instituted by the 29th session of the General Conference...
(2009), former Director-General of UNESCOUNESCOThe United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
, was appointed Grand Officier. - Yoshirō MoriYoshiro Moriis a Japanese politician who served as the 85th and 86th Prime Minister of Japan starting at 5 April 2000 ending 26 April 2001. Described as having "the heart of a flea and the brain of a shark," he was an unpopular prime minister mainly remembered today for his many gaffes and situationally...
(2010), former Prime Minister of JapanPrime Minister of JapanThe is the head of government of Japan. He is appointed by the Emperor of Japan after being designated by the Diet from among its members, and must enjoy the confidence of the House of Representatives to remain in office...
, was appointed Grand Officier. - Kōzō SatōKozo Satowas an admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy during the World War I.-Biography:Satō was born in Hanamaki city, Iwate prefecture. He was a graduate of the 18th class of the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy in 1891, ranking 6th out of 61 cadets. His classmates included future admiral Abo Kiyokazu.As...
, admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy, was appointed Commandeur (Commander). - Koji KakizawaKoji Kakizawawas a Japanese politician who served as Japan's Minister for Foreign Affairs in 1994. After his death, he had been conferred as Junior Third Rank, Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun....
(1997), former Minister of Foreign Affairs (Japan), was appointed Officier (Officer). - Makoto OokaMakoto Ookais a Japanese poet and literary critic.Ooka's poetry column was published without a break seven days a week for more than 20 years on the front page of Asahi Shimbun, which is Japan's leading national newspaper.-Notes:...
(2004), literary critic, was appointed Officier. - Yūji TsushimaYuji Tsushimais a Japanese politician serving in the House of Representatives in the Diet as a member of the Liberal Democratic Party. A native of Aomori, Aomori, he attended University of Tokyo and passed the bar exam while still in college...
(2011), former Minister of Health, was appointed Officier. - Heisuke HironakaHeisuke Hironakais a Japanese mathematician. After completing his undergraduate studies at Kyoto University, he received his Ph.D. from Harvard while under the direction of Oscar Zariski. He won the Fields Medal in 1970....
(2004), mathematician, was appointed Chevalier (knight). - Makoto NagaoMakoto Nagaois a Japanese computer scientist. He contributed to various fields: machine translation, natural language processing, pattern recognition, image processing and library science...
(2005), currently the Director of National Diet LibraryNational Diet LibraryThe is the only national library in Japan. It was established in 1948 for the purpose of assisting members of the in researching matters of public policy. The library is similar in purpose and scope to the U.S...
in Japan, was appointed Chevalier. - Yoshinori OhnoYoshinori OhnoYoshinori Ono was Japan's Minister of State for Defense in Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's third Cabinet. He is a member of the Liberal Democratic Party.- External links :* *...
(2011), former Minister of Defense (Japan)Minister of Defense (Japan)The , or , is the Cabinet of Japan member in charge of the Ministry of Defense, formerly known as the Defence Agency before 2007. The current Japanese Minister of Defense is Yasuo Ichikawa, a member of the DPJ. Yasuo Ichikawa has been the Minister of Defense since 2 September 2011...
, was appointed Chevalier. - Hajime FurutaHajime Furutais the governor of Gifu Prefecture in Japan, first elected in 2005 and reelected in 2009. A native of Gifu, Gifu, he was chosen as the final torchbearer for the National Sports Festival when it was held in Gifu while he was a senior at Gifu Prefectural Senior High School...
(2011), governor of Gifu PrefectureGifu Prefectureis a prefecture located in the Chūbu region of central Japan. Its capital is the city of Gifu.Located in the center of Japan, it has long played an important part as the crossroads of Japan, connecting the east to the west through such routes as the Nakasendō...
in JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, was appointed Chevalier.
Serbia
- Ružica Đinđić (2009), Serbian humanitarian, widow of Prime Minister of SerbiaSerbiaSerbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
, Zoran Đinđić, "because of her active work at the foundation she heads" - Emir KusturicaEmir KusturicaEmir Nemanja Kusturica , is a Serbian filmmaker, actor and musician, recognized for several internationally acclaimed feature films...
(2011), Serbian filmmaker, was appointed Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur - Veran MatićVeran MaticVeran Matić , born on 1962 in Sabac, Serbia, is the Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief of Belgrade’s leading independent Radio and Television station B92 , Serbia’s commercially funded public service broadcaster, managing the company’s radio, TV, online, publishing and cultural services...
(2009), Serbian journalist and editor-in-chief of B92B92B92 is a radio and television broadcaster with national coverage headquartered in Belgrade, Serbia. The network's key demographic is chiefly urban and young audience. Its programs, including the news cover topics with fairly liberal political painted attitudes...
, "for the fight he has always led for independence and freedom of the media"
Turkey
- Mustafa Kemal AtatürkMustafa Kemal AtatürkMustafa Kemal Atatürk was an Ottoman and Turkish army officer, revolutionary statesman, writer, and the first President of Turkey. He is credited with being the founder of the Republic of Turkey....
(1914), founder of modern Turkey, while he was in The Members of the Mediterranean Forces Command Director of Operations. Because of its success at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, was honoured with the rank of Chevalier - İhsan DoğramacıIhsan DogramaciProfessor İhsan Doğramacı was a Turkish paediatrician, entrepreneur, philanthropist, educationalist and college administrator of Iraqi Turkmen descent born in Arbil, Iraq, then Ottoman Empire....
, Professor of medicine - Hicri FişekHicri FişekProf. Dr. Hicri Fişek was a professor of international law.Founded the "Tevfik Fikret" high-school in Ankara . He received the French Légion d'Honneur . Doctor honoris causa, University of Strasbourg 1974.- External links :*...
(1964, 1975), Professor of international Law, was appointed Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur in 1964; and Officier in 1975 - Güler SabancıGüler SabanciGüler Sabancı is a third-generation female member of the renowned Sabancı family, and currently the chairperson of the family-controlled Sabancı Holding, the second-biggest industrial and financial conglomerate of Turkey.-Biography:...
(2010), Businesswoman, was appointed Officier of the Légion d'Honneur
United Kingdom
- Queen Elizabeth IIElizabeth II of the United KingdomElizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
, Prince PhilipPrince Philip, Duke of EdinburghPrince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh is the husband of Elizabeth II. He is the United Kingdom's longest-serving consort and the oldest serving spouse of a reigning British monarch....
, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and the late Lord MountbattenLouis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of BurmaAdmiral of the Fleet Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas George Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, KG, GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, GCVO, DSO, PC, FRS , was a British statesman and naval officer, and an uncle of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh...
have been decorated with the Grand Cross. - Henry AllinghamHenry AllinghamHenry William Allingham was a British supercentenarian, First World War veteran and, for one month, the verified oldest living man in the world...
(2003, 2009), the world's oldest man until his death and the second oldest war veteran of all time. Allingham was appointed Chevalier in 2003 and Officier in 2009 - Sir Stuart BellStuart BellSir Stuart Bell is a British Labour Party politician, who has been the Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough since 1983.-Early life:...
MP (2006), was appointed Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur by French President Jacques Chirac - Sir George CallaghanGeorge CallaghanAdmiral of the Fleet Sir George Astley Callaghan GCB GCVO was a senior officer in the Royal Navy.-Naval career:...
(1918), Admiral of the FleetAdmiral of the FleetAn admiral of the fleet is a military naval officer of the highest rank. In many nations the rank is reserved for wartime or ceremonial appointments...
, appointed a Grand Officier of the Order - Graham GreeneGraham GreeneHenry Graham Greene, OM, CH was an English author, playwright and literary critic. His works explore the ambivalent moral and political issues of the modern world...
(1967), appointed Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur - BrigadierBrigadierBrigadier is a senior military rank, the meaning of which is somewhat different in different military services. The brigadier rank is generally superior to the rank of colonel, and subordinate to major general....
James Hill DSODistinguished Service OrderThe Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
**, became a Officier of the Légion d'Honneur - MajorMajorMajor is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
Gerald Loxley, RAF, became a Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur - Pauline Neville-Jones (2009), the British Security Minister, was appointed Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur
- Laurence OlivierLaurence OlivierLaurence Kerr Olivier, Baron Olivier, OM was an English actor, director, and producer. He was one of the most famous and revered actors of the 20th century. He married three times, to fellow actors Jill Esmond, Vivien Leigh, and Joan Plowright...
, actor, became an Officier of the Légion d'Honneur - Harry PatchHarry PatchHenry John "Harry" Patch , known in his latter years as "the Last Fighting Tommy", was a British supercentenarian, briefly the oldest man in Europe, and the last surviving soldier to have fought in the trenches of the First World War...
(1998, 2009), Britain's last surviving First World War Veteran, appointed Chevalier 1998 and Officier in 2009 - Alex RoweAlex Rowe (soldier)Chief Adjutant Alex Rowe is a British member of the French Foreign Legion, one of the most decorated members of the Legion and the first English legionnaire to be invested into the Légion d'honneur, France's highest order of merit...
, a British citizen who joined the French Foreign LegionFrench Foreign LegionThe French Foreign Legion is a unique military service wing of the French Army established in 1831. The foreign legion was exclusively created for foreign nationals willing to serve in the French Armed Forces... - J. K. RowlingJ. K. RowlingJoanne "Jo" Rowling, OBE , better known as J. K. Rowling, is the British author of the Harry Potter fantasy series...
(2009), awarded the Légion d'Honneur by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. - Ronald Searle (2006), artist, was appointed Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur
- Sydney Vincent SippeSydney Vincent SippeMajor Sydney Vincent Sippe DSO, OBE, FRAeS was a British pioneer aviator, who designed, built and tested early aeroplanes, and was a distinguished pilot in World War I.-Early life:...
, a World War I pilot and aviation pioneer, following his daring raid on German Zeppelin sheds. - Major Francis George Sutton-Mattocks (1920), of the Royal Field Artillery, appointed Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur
- Dame Ninette de Valois (1950), appointed Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur
- Sir Frank Williams, founder of the WilliamsF1WilliamsF1Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited, trading as AT&T Williams, is a British Formula One motor racing team and constructor. It was founded and run by Sir Frank Williams and Patrick Head...
team, was made a Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur - Wing CommanderWing Commander (rank)Wing commander is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries...
Forest Frederick Edward Yeo-Thomas, British Special Operations ExecutiveSpecial Operations ExecutiveThe Special Operations Executive was a World War II organisation of the United Kingdom. It was officially formed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Minister of Economic Warfare Hugh Dalton on 22 July 1940, to conduct guerrilla warfare against the Axis powers and to instruct and aid local...
agent codenamed "The White Rabbit", was presented with the Commandeur of the Légion d'HonneurLégion d'honneurThe Legion of Honour, or in full the National Order of the Legion of Honour is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte, First Consul of the Consulat which succeeded to the First Republic, on 19 May 1802...
on the personal instructions of President Charles de GaulleCharles de GaulleCharles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle was a French general and statesman who led the Free French Forces during World War II. He later founded the French Fifth Republic in 1958 and served as its first President from 1959 to 1969.... - Air Chief Marshall Sir Augustus Walker WW2 Pilot, Former ADC to the King, also awarded also the Croix de Guerre. Played Rugby for England. During his time in the RAF, He held the post of Inspector-General of the RAF from 1964 to 1966 when he became Deputy Commander-in-Chief Allied Forces Central Europe.
Individuals
- Florence Meyer Blumenthal and George BlumenthalPrix BlumenthalThe Prix Blumenthal was a grant or stipend awarded through the philanthropy of Florence Meyer Blumenthal — and the foundation she created, Fondation franco-américaine Florence Blumenthal — to discover young French artists, aid them financially, and in the process draw the United States...
in 1929 for Philanthropy and the Prix BlumenthalPrix BlumenthalThe Prix Blumenthal was a grant or stipend awarded through the philanthropy of Florence Meyer Blumenthal — and the foundation she created, Fondation franco-américaine Florence Blumenthal — to discover young French artists, aid them financially, and in the process draw the United States... - Julia ChildJulia ChildJulia Child was an American chef, author, and television personality. She is recognized for introducing French cuisine to the American public with her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and her subsequent television programs, the most notable of which was The French Chef, which...
, for her indelible contribution to the world of fine foods. - Ralph L. Bourgeois MD, Captain US Army 91st Medical Gas Treatment Battalion & Mobile Field Surgical Hospital, D-DayD-DayD-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar...
at Utah BeachUtah BeachUtah Beach was the code name for the right flank, or westernmost, of the Allied landing beaches during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, as part of Operation Overlord on 6 June 1944...
contributions to the liberation of the French Republic in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Frank BucklesFrank BucklesFrank Woodruff Buckles was the last surviving American veteran of World War I. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1917 and served with a detachment from Fort Riley, driving ambulances and motorcycles near the front lines in Europe.During World War II, he was captured by Japanese forces...
, the last surviving American World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
veteran - Thomas Benton CooleyThomas Benton CooleyThomas Benton Cooley was an American pediatrician and hematologist and professor of hygiene and medicine at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. He was the director of the Pasteur Institute at the University of Michigan from 1903 to 1904. He worked in private practice in...
, American pediatrician who worked with the Child Bureau during World War I - Joe Medicine CrowJoe Medicine CrowJoseph Medicine Crow is a Crow historian and author. He is also an enrolled member of the Crow Nation of Native Americans...
, World War II veteran and last War Chief of the Crow NationCrow NationThe Crow, also called the Absaroka or Apsáalooke, are a Siouan people of Native Americans who historically lived in the Yellowstone River valley, which extends from present-day Wyoming, through Montana and into North Dakota. They now live on a reservation south of Billings, Montana and in several... - Thomas KellerThomas KellerThomas Keller is an American chef, restaurateur, and cookbook writer. He and his landmark Napa Valley restaurant, The French Laundry in Yountville, California, have won multiple awards from the James Beard Foundation, notably the Best California Chef in 1996, and the Best Chef in America in 1997...
, Chef - Edward Peck CurtisEdward Peck CurtisMajor General Edward Peck Curtis began his career as a lieutenant in World War I. His six aerial victories made him a flying ace.Born in Rochester, New York, Edward Peck Curtis was a graduate of St. Georges School, Newport, Rhode Island...
for his part in the Allies during the North African CampaignNorth African campaignDuring the Second World War, the North African Campaign took place in North Africa from 10 June 1940 to 13 May 1943. It included campaigns fought in the Libyan and Egyptian deserts and in Morocco and Algeria and Tunisia .The campaign was fought between the Allies and Axis powers, many of whom had...
in World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Miles DavisMiles DavisMiles Dewey Davis III was an American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz,...
Jazz musician - James DeeringJames DeeringJames Deering was an industrialist executive in the family Deering Harvester Company and subsequent International Harvester, a socialite, and an antiquities collector. He is known for his landmark Vizcaya estate, where he was an early 20th century resident on Biscayne Bay in the present day...
, for work in promoting agricultural technology in France - 1906 - Brigadier General Richard Dennison, USAF, for his contributions to the allied victory in World War II
- Walt DisneyWalt DisneyWalter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O...
received the honour in 1935. - Dwight D. EisenhowerDwight D. EisenhowerDwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army...
, five-star general in the United States ArmyUnited States ArmyThe United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, 34th President of the United States, Supreme CommanderSupreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary ForceSupreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force , was the headquarters of the Commander of Allied forces in north west Europe, from late 1943 until the end of World War II. U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was in command of SHAEF throughout its existence...
of the Allied forces in Europe during World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, and the first supreme commander of NATO - Mayhew FosterMayhew FosterMayhew Y. "Bo" Foster was an American soldier who flew captured Nazi war criminal Hermann Göring from Austria to Germany for interrogation by the 7th Army. For his actions in World War II, Foster was awarded both the Silver Star and the Légion d'Honneur.At the end of the war, Göring surrendered...
, World War II soldier who flew Hermann GoringHermann GöringHermann Wilhelm Göring, was a German politician, military leader, and a leading member of the Nazi Party. He was a veteran of World War I as an ace fighter pilot, and a recipient of the coveted Pour le Mérite, also known as "The Blue Max"...
from Austria to Germany, where Goring stood trial for war crimes at NurembergNuremberg TrialsThe Nuremberg Trials were a series of military tribunals, held by the victorious Allied forces of World War II, most notable for the prosecution of prominent members of the political, military, and economic leadership of the defeated Nazi Germany....
; awarded to Foster in 2009 - Stephen GalattiStephen GalattiStephen Galatti was for many years the Director General of the AFS, American Field Service. He transformed the AFS from a volunteer medical corps during World Wars I and II into an international educational exchange service that has profoundly transformed the lives of thousands of young people...
, Director of American Field Service (AFS) - James M. GavinJames M. GavinJames Maurice "Jumpin' Jim" Gavin was a prominent Lieutenant General in the United States Army during World War II...
, Lieutenant GeneralLieutenant GeneralLieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. The rank traces its origins to the Middle Ages where the title of Lieutenant General was held by the second in command on the battlefield, who was normally subordinate to a Captain General....
in the United States ArmyUnited States ArmyThe United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
and United States ambassador to France during the Kennedy administration. Grand Officier - 1965 - Alan GreenspanAlan GreenspanAlan Greenspan is an American economist who served as Chairman of the Federal Reserve of the United States from 1987 to 2006. He currently works as a private advisor and provides consulting for firms through his company, Greenspan Associates LLC...
, economist and Chairman of the US Federal Reserve - Pamela HarrimanPamela HarrimanPamela Beryl Harriman , also known as Pamela Churchill Harriman, was an English-born socialite who was married and linked to important and powerful men. In later life, she became a political activist for the United States Democratic Party and a diplomat...
, US Ambassador to France, awarded posthumously in 1997 - Elias HoweElias HoweElias Howe, Jr. was an American inventor and sewing machine pioneer.-Early life & family:Howe was born on July 9, 1819 to Dr. Elias Howe, Sr. and Polly Howe in Spencer, Massachusetts. Howe spent his childhood and early adult years in Massachusetts where he apprenticed in a textile factory in...
inventor of the sewing machine was awarded in 1867 - Virginia Portia Royall Inness-BrownVirginia Portia Royall Inness-BrownVirginia Portia Royall Inness-Brown , noted proponent of the arts and first recipient of the Handel Medallion of New York City in 1959, was born in Medford, Massachusetts on May 4, 1901. She was the daughter of John Allen Crosskeys Royall and Agatha Caroline Freeman...
patron of the arts, Commandeur - 1966 - Father Mychal Judge, received the award posthumously; he was killed while offering aid and prayers for the rescuers, the injured and dead at the World Trade CenterWorld Trade CenterThe original World Trade Center was a complex with seven buildings featuring landmark twin towers in Lower Manhattan, New York City, United States. The complex opened on April 4, 1973, and was destroyed in 2001 during the September 11 attacks. The site is currently being rebuilt with five new...
on September 11, 2001 - George Frederick KunzGeorge Frederick KunzGeorge Frederick Kunz was an American mineralogist and mineral collector.- Overview :Kunz was born in New York City, USA, and began an interest in minerals at a very young age. By his teens, he had amassed a collection of over four thousand items, which he sold for four hundred dollars to the...
was awarded this honour in recognition of his contributions to European mineralogy - 1889 - Henry Louis LarsenHenry Louis LarsenHenry Louis Larsen was a United States Marine Corps Lieutenant General, the second Military Governor of Guam following its recapture from the Empire of Japan, and the first post-World War II Governor of Guam. He also served as the Military Governor of American Samoa alongside civilian Governor of...
, commander of the 3rd Battalion 5th Marines3rd Battalion 5th Marines3rd Battalion 5th Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps. The battalion, nicknamed "Dark Horse", is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California and consists of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors...
during World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
and later Governor of Guam; he participated in every major conflict of the war that American participated in in France. - Jerry LewisJerry LewisJerry Lewis is an American comedian, actor, singer, film producer, screenwriter and film director. He is best known for his slapstick humor in film, television, stage and radio. He was originally paired up with Dean Martin in 1946, forming the famed comedy team of Martin and Lewis...
was decorated as Chevalier in 1984 and then as a Commandeur in 2006 - David LynchDavid LynchDavid Keith Lynch is an American filmmaker, television director, visual artist, musician and occasional actor. Known for his surrealist films, he has developed his own unique cinematic style, which has been dubbed "Lynchian", and which is characterized by its dream imagery and meticulous sound...
, Filmmaker - Douglas MacArthurDouglas MacArthurGeneral of the Army Douglas MacArthur was an American general and field marshal of the Philippine Army. He was a Chief of Staff of the United States Army during the 1930s and played a prominent role in the Pacific theater during World War II. He received the Medal of Honor for his service in the...
, American GeneralGeneral of the ArmyGeneral of the Army is a military rank used in some countries to denote a senior military leader, usually a General in command of a nation's Army. It may also be the title given to a General who commands an Army in the field....
and Chief of Staff of the United States Army, and field marshal of the Philippine Army - Luke McNameeLuke McNameeLuke McNamee was a United States Navy Admiral, businessman, and the 10th and 12th Naval Governor of Guam. He served in the Navy for 42 years, during which time he held multiple commands. During the Spanish–American War, he earned the Navy Cross, and later the Legion of Honour...
, Admiral, 10th and 12th Naval Governor of Guam, head of the Battle FleetBattle FleetThe United States Battle Fleet or Battle Force was part of the organization of the United States Navy from 1922 to 1941.The General Order of 6 December 1922 organized the United States Fleet, with the Battle Fleet as the Pacific presence. This fleet comprised the main body of ships in the Navy,...
, and 21st Director of the Office of Naval Intelligence. - Toni MorrisonToni MorrisonToni Morrison is a Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, editor, and professor. Her novels are known for their epic themes, vivid dialogue, and richly detailed characters. Among her best known novels are The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon and Beloved...
, "the greatest American woman novelist of her time" -Mitterand 2010 - Admiral Mike Mullen, USNMichael MullenMichael Glenn "Mike" Mullen is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral, who served as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2011. Mullen previously served as the Navy's 28th Chief of Naval Operations from July 22, 2005 to September 29, 2007...
- 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffChairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffThe Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff is by law the highest ranking military officer in the United States Armed Forces, and is the principal military adviser to the President of the United States, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council and the Secretary of Defense...
– awarded on May 12, 2007 - Audie MurphyAudie MurphyAudie Leon Murphy was a highly decorated and famous soldier. Through LIFE magazine's July 16, 1945 issue , he became one the most famous soldiers of World War II and widely regarded as the most decorated American soldier of the war...
, the most decorated US soldier of World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - David PetraeusDavid PetraeusDavid Howell Petraeus is the current Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, sworn in on September 6, 2011. Prior to his assuming the directorship of the CIA, Petraeus was a four-star general serving over 37 years in the United States Army. His last assignments in the Army were as commander...
, United States Army General - Dr. Alexander H. Rice, Jr.Alexander H. Rice, Jr.Alexander Hamilton Rice, Jr. was an American physician, geographer, geologist and explorer. He graduated from Harvard University in 1898 with an A.B. degree, and earned his medical degree in 1904 also at Harvard...
received the Award of Commandeur for his medical services in France during World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918... - C. Allen Thorndike RiceC. Allen Thorndike RiceCharles Allen Thorndike Rice was a journalist and the editor and publisher of the North American Review from 1876 to 1889.-Early life and family:...
received the award for enabling the 1879 Charnay ExpeditionDésiré CharnayClaude-Joseph Désiré Charnay was a French traveller and archaeologist notable both for his explorations of Mexico and Central America, and for the pioneering use of photography to document his discoveries....
to explore and photograph Mayan ruins in Mexico and Guatemala - Laure RièseLaure RièseLaure Eva Rièse, O.Ont was an academic at Victoria University, Toronto, author, poet and later a mature model.-Early days:...
Academic, author and poet - Arnold SchwarzeneggerArnold SchwarzeneggerArnold Alois Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American former professional bodybuilder, actor, businessman, investor, and politician. Schwarzenegger served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011....
bodybuilder, actor, businessman, politician was decorated as Chevalier of the Arts and Letters in 2011 - Wesley J Souliere for his heroism in defense of France during the Second World War
- Barbra StreisandBarbra StreisandBarbra Joan Streisand is an American singer, actress, film producer and director. She has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, four Emmy Awards, a Special Tony Award, an American Film Institute award, a Peabody Award, and is one of the few entertainers who have won an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy,...
singer, actress, songwriter was inducted as an officer of France's Legion of Honour in 2007 - Former Rhode IslandRhode IslandThe state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
governor Bruce SundlunBruce SundlunBruce Sundlun was an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who served as 71st Governor of Rhode Island from 1991 to 1995. He was Rhode Island's second Jewish governor, and the only Jewish governor in the United States during his two terms...
was decorated in 1977 as Chevalier for his work with the French ResistanceFrench ResistanceThe French Resistance is the name used to denote the collection of French resistance movements that fought against the Nazi German occupation of France and against the collaborationist Vichy régime during World War II...
during World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis... - Julia Catlin Park Taufflieb received the honour in 1921 for her efforts in the First World War at Chateau d'Annel - (Possibly the first American woman)
- Lieutenant General Frances C. Wilson, USMCFrances C. WilsonFrances C. Wilson is a retired lieutenant general of the United States Marine Corps, and is the immediate past president of the National Defense University.-Personal life and education:...
- Elias ZerhouniElias ZerhouniElias A. Zerhouni is an Algerian born American radiologist and medical researcher. He was the 15th director of the National Institutes of Health, appointed by George W. Bush in May 2002. He served for 6 years, stepping down in October, 2008.-Background:A resident of Pasadena, Maryland, Zerhouni...
Institutions/organizations
- In 1949, the Academies of West PointUnited States Military AcademyThe United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
(Military) and AnnapolisUnited States Naval AcademyThe United States Naval Academy is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, United States...
(Naval) were decorated.
Other countries
- China – Gong LiGong LiGong Li is a Chinese film actress. Gong first came into international prominence through close collaboration with Chinese director Zhang Yimou and is credited with helping to bring Chinese cinema to Europe and the United States....
(2010), actress, was appointed Commandeur for contributions to film - Congo – Dr. Denis MukwegeDenis MukwegeDenis Mukwege is a Congolese gynecologist. Working in Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, where he specializes in the treatment of women who have been gang-raped by Rwandan militia, Mukwege has probably become the world's leading expert on how to repair the internal physical damage caused by gang rape...
(2009), Gynecologist, surgeon, and human rights activist, decorated for treating victims of sexual violence - Dominican Republic – Rafael Trujillo, Dictator
- Hong Kong – Anson ChanAnson ChanAnson Maria Elizabeth Chan Fang On-sang GBM GCMG CBE JP was a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong for Hong Kong Island, succeeding the late legislator Ma Lik....
(2009), served as the former Chief SecretaryChief Secretary for AdministrationThe Chief Secretary for Administration , commonly known as Chief Secretary and abbreviated as CS, is the second highest position of the Hong Kong Government...
, the second highest position in the Hong Kong GovernmentGovernment of Hong KongThe Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, commonly the Hong Kong Government, is led by the Chief Executive as Head of the Government, who is also the head of the Hong Kong SAR...
, both before and after the transfer of sovereignty, recognized for her distinguished career and her major contribution to the promotion of gender equalityGender equalityGender equality is the goal of the equality of the genders, stemming from a belief in the injustice of myriad forms of gender inequality.- Concept :...
, freedom of pressFreedom of the pressFreedom of the press or freedom of the media is the freedom of communication and expression through vehicles including various electronic media and published materials...
and democratic debate, values of universal significance - Hong Kong – Sister Marie Jacqueline Ho, heading one of the oldest remarkable French institutions in Asia, the Provincial Superior of the Sisters of St. Paul De Chartres
- Iran – Ali-Akbar Siassi, former Minister of Education, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chancellor of Tehran University, was appointed Commandeur
- South Korea – conductor Myung-whun ChungMyung-Whun ChungMyung-whun Chung is a South Korean pianist and conductor.His sisters, violinist Kyung-wha Chung, and cellist Myung-wha Chung, and he at one time performed together as the Chung Trio. He was a joined second-prize winner in the 1974 International Tchaikovsky Competition. Chung studied conducting at...
was awarded the honor in 1992. . - South Korea – Samsung Chief Executive Officer Lee Kun-HeeLee Kun-heeLee Kun-hee is Chairman of Samsung Electronics. He resigned on April 21, 2008 owing to Samsung Slush funds scandal, but returned on March 24, 2010. Lee has a degree in economics from Waseda University in Tokyo and attended an MBA course at George Washington University in the United States in 1966...
was awarded on 2006. - Lebanon – Tobia Aun, Maronite Catholic archbishop who played a role in the 1860 Lebanon conflict1860 Lebanon conflictThe 1860 Lebanon conflict was the culmination of a peasant uprising which began in the north of Lebanon as a rebellion of Maronite peasants against their Druze overlords. It soon spread to the south of the country where the rebellion changed its character, with Druze turning against the Maronite...
- Malaysia - Michelle YeohMichelle YeohMichelle Yeoh Choo-Kheng is a Hong Kong-based Malaysian Chinese actress, well known for performing her own stunts in the action films that brought her to fame in the early 1990s....
, Actress, dancer & model. Awarded in 2007 for contributions of films and media. - Netherlands – Joseph LunsJoseph LunsJoseph Marie Antoine Hubert Luns was a Dutch politician and diplomat of the defunct Catholic People's Party now merged into the Christian Democratic Appeal . He was the longest-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs from September 2, 1952 until July 6, 1971...
(1954), diplomat, foreign minister and (later) NATO Secretary General, was appointed to the Grand Cross - Nigeria – Sunny A. Olu Jegede (2010), oil industry executive and former Chairman of Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, was appointed Chevalier for contributions to French-Nigerian relations
- Nigeria – Dr. Rilwanu LukmanRilwanu LukmanRilwanu Lukman is a Nigerian engineer who held several ministerial positions in the Nigerian Federal government before becoming Secretary General of OPEC from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2000...
, Former Secretary General of OPECOPECOPEC is an intergovernmental organization of twelve developing countries made up of Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela. OPEC has maintained its headquarters in Vienna since 1965, and hosts regular meetings...
(1995–2000), Minister of Petroleum Resources - Pakistan – Major General Mian Hayaud Din (1958), Chief of the General Staff of the Pakistan Army, later Dean of the Corps of Military Attaches in the United States, appointed Commandeur for his services in Indo-China in 1945-1946
- Panama – Manuel Amador Guerrero (1907) 1st President of Panama, appointed Commandeur
- Panama – General Manuel NoriegaManuel NoriegaManuel Antonio Noriega Moreno is a Panamanian politician and soldier. He was military dictator of Panama from 1983 to 1989.The 1989 invasion of Panama by the United States removed him from power; he was captured, detained as a prisoner of war, and flown to the United States. Noriega was tried on...
(1987), commander of the Panamanian Defense Force, appointed Commandeur by President François MitterrandFrançois MitterrandFrançois Maurice Adrien Marie Mitterrand was the 21st President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra, serving from 1981 until 1995. He is the longest-serving President of France and, as leader of the Socialist Party, the only figure from the left so far elected President... - Portugal – Dom Joao VI, King of Portugal and Brazil.
- Russia – Konstantin RokossovskyKonstantin RokossovskyKonstantin Rokossovskiy was a Polish-origin Soviet career officer who was a Marshal of the Soviet Union, as well as Marshal of Poland and Polish Defence Minister, who was famously known for his service in the Eastern Front, where he received high esteem for his outstanding military skill...
, Marshal of the Soviet Union - Sweden – King Carl XVI Gustaf of SwedenCarl XVI Gustaf of SwedenCarl XVI Gustaf is the reigning King of Sweden since 15 September 1973, succeeding his grandfather King Gustaf VI Adolf because his father had predeceased him...
, appointed with the Grand Cross - Switzerland – Ernesto BertarelliErnesto BertarelliErnesto Bertarelli is a Swiss-Italian billionaire and entrepreneur.Together with his extended family, Bertarelli was ranked 81st in the 2011 annual ranking of the world's wealthiest people compiled and published by Forbes magazine, The family's wealth was estimated at US$10.0...
(2003), a naturalized Swiss sailor and entrepreneur born in Rome, Italy - Tunisia – Slim DziriSlim DziriLe General Slim Dziri, also known as Slim Jaziri, was a Tunisian Minister Plenipotentiary from 1929 to 1935....
(1934), Major General, plenipotentiary minister (1929–1935), was appointed Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur - Yugoslavia – Marshal Josip Broz TitoJosip Broz TitoMarshal Josip Broz Tito – 4 May 1980) was a Yugoslav revolutionary and statesman. While his presidency has been criticized as authoritarian, Tito was a popular public figure both in Yugoslavia and abroad, viewed as a unifying symbol for the nations of the Yugoslav federation...
) (1956), President of YugoslaviaSocialist Federal Republic of YugoslaviaThe Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was the Yugoslav state that existed from the abolition of the Yugoslav monarchy until it was dissolved in 1992 amid the Yugoslav Wars. It was a socialist state and a federation made up of six socialist republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia,...
, decorated with the Grand Cross for extraordinary contributions to the struggle for peace
1900 to 1909
- Carl Gustaf Emil MannerheimCarl Gustaf Emil MannerheimBaron Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim was the military leader of the Whites in the Finnish Civil War, Commander-in-Chief of Finland's Defence Forces during World War II, Marshal of Finland, and a Finnish statesman. He was Regent of Finland and the sixth President of Finland...
(1905), (Finland) Marshal of FinlandMarshal of FinlandMarshal of Finland was the title awarded to the Finnish Commander-in-Chief Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim on his 75th birthday on June 4, 1942. The fully honorary rank was specially created for Mannerheim...
.
1910 to 1919
- Sydney Vincent SippeSydney Vincent SippeMajor Sydney Vincent Sippe DSO, OBE, FRAeS was a British pioneer aviator, who designed, built and tested early aeroplanes, and was a distinguished pilot in World War I.-Early life:...
(1914), (UK), World War IWorld War IWorld War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
pilot. - Billy Bishop VC (1918), (Canada), Air Marshal and highest scoring Canadian ace of the First World War; appointed Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur
1930 to 1939
- Mohamed Haniff (1937), a Tamil born in Pondicherry of French India was accorded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur. He was also the Deputy Mayor of Pondicherry during the French rule in India
1940 to 1949
- Mary Johnston Cassatt (1943), artist until 1915
1960 to 1969
- Hicri FişekHicri FişekProf. Dr. Hicri Fişek was a professor of international law.Founded the "Tevfik Fikret" high-school in Ankara . He received the French Légion d'Honneur . Doctor honoris causa, University of Strasbourg 1974.- External links :*...
(1964), (Turkey), professor of international Law, received Chevalier 1964; Officier 1975
1980 to 1989
- Akira KurosawaAkira Kurosawawas a Japanese film director, producer, screenwriter and editor. Regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, Kurosawa directed 30 filmsIn 1946, Kurosawa co-directed, with Hideo Sekigawa and Kajiro Yamamoto, the feature Those Who Make Tomorrow ;...
(1984), (Japan), Japanese film directorFilm directorA film director is a person who directs the actors and film crew in filmmaking. They control a film's artistic and dramatic nathan roach, while guiding the technical crew and actors.-Responsibilities:...
, film producerFilm producerA film producer oversees and delivers a film project to all relevant parties while preserving the integrity, voice and vision of the film. They will also often take on some financial risk by using their own money, especially during the pre-production period, before a film is fully financed.The...
, and screenwriterScreenwriterScreenwriters or scriptwriters or scenario writers are people who write/create the short or feature-length screenplays from which mass media such as films, television programs, Comics or video games are based.-Profession:... - Rand AraskogRand AraskogRand Vincent Araskog is a prominent U.S. businessman and an ex-CEO of ITT Corporation. Araskog is of Scandinavian origin; his grandfather emigrated from Sweden to Minnesota....
(1987), (US), American executive - Satyajit RaySatyajit RaySatyajit Ray was an Indian Bengali filmmaker. He is regarded as one of the greatest auteurs of 20th century cinema. Ray was born in the city of Kolkata into a Bengali family prominent in the world of arts and literature...
(1987), (India), President François MitterrandFrançois MitterrandFrançois Maurice Adrien Marie Mitterrand was the 21st President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra, serving from 1981 until 1995. He is the longest-serving President of France and, as leader of the Socialist Party, the only figure from the left so far elected President...
went to Calcutta to give the award to Indian film director. - Manuel NoriegaManuel NoriegaManuel Antonio Noriega Moreno is a Panamanian politician and soldier. He was military dictator of Panama from 1983 to 1989.The 1989 invasion of Panama by the United States removed him from power; he was captured, detained as a prisoner of war, and flown to the United States. Noriega was tried on...
(1987), (Panama), General commander of the Panamanian Defense Force
1990 to 1999
- Erik ReitzelErik ReitzelErik Reitzel was for many years a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and at the Technical University of Denmark, in the disciplines of bearing structures and structural design....
(1990), (Denmark), a Danish engineer and professor of structural design, received Chevalier - Sir Anerood Jugnauth (1990), (MauritiusMauritiusMauritius , officially the Republic of Mauritius is an island nation off the southeast coast of the African continent in the southwest Indian Ocean, about east of Madagascar...
), awarded Grand Officier as Prime Minister - Sivaji GanesanSivaji GanesanViluppuram Chinnaiahpillai Ganesan Manrayar , commonly known by his stage name Sivaji Ganesan , was an Indian stage and film actor active during the latter half of the 20th century. He is one of the most respected film actors in India. He is well known for his versatility and acting skills with...
(1995), (India), a legendary TamilTamil peopleTamil people , also called Tamils or Tamilians, are an ethnic group native to Tamil Nadu, India and the north-eastern region of Sri Lanka. Historic and post 15th century emigrant communities are also found across the world, notably Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa, Australia, Canada,...
film actor, received the title of Chevalier. - Richard JenretteRichard JenretteRichard Hampton Jenrette was one the founders of the Wall Street firm, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette .-Education and Business Career:...
(1996), (US) investment banker - Ross SteeleRoss SteeleRoss Steele AM is an Australian author, academic and Francophile. He has published thirty-four books in French and English on the subjects including French culture, language and the teaching of French language...
(1996), (Australia), author and academic, received the title of Chevalier - Pete GossPete GossPete Goss, MBE is a British yachtsman who has clocked up at sea.A former Royal Marine, he is famous for his pioneering project Team Philips. He received a Legion d'Honneur for saving fellow sailor Raphaël Dinelli in the 1996 Vendée Globe solo around the world yacht race...
(1997), (UK), MBE, yachtsman who rescued fellow competitor Raphaël Dinelli in the 1996 Vendée Globe sailing race - Pedro AlmodóvarPedro AlmodóvarPedro Almodóvar Caballero is a Spanish film director, screenwriter and producer.Almodóvar is arguably the most successful and internationally known Spanish filmmaker of his generation. His films, marked by complex narratives, employ the codes of melodrama and use elements of pop culture, popular...
(1997), (Spain), Spanish film director, who received Oscar's, in 1999 for All about my mother and in 2001 for Talk to her - Harry PatchHarry PatchHenry John "Harry" Patch , known in his latter years as "the Last Fighting Tommy", was a British supercentenarian, briefly the oldest man in Europe, and the last surviving soldier to have fought in the trenches of the First World War...
(1998), (UK) Britain's last surviving First World War Veteran. (Appointed Officier in 2009) - Shaji N. KarunShaji N. KarunShaji Neelakantan Karun is a National Award-winning Indian film director and cinematographer. His debut film Piravi won the Caméra d'Or - Mention d'honneur at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival...
(1999), (India), a film director and cinematographer
2000 to 2009
- Péter MedgyessyPéter MedgyessyPéter Medgyessy is a Hungarian politician and was the fifth Prime Minister of the Republic of Hungary from May 27, 2002 until September 29, 2004...
(2000), (Hungary). - Ravi ShankarRavi ShankarRavi Shankar , often referred to by the title Pandit, is an Indian musician and composer who plays the plucked string instrument sitar. He has been described as the best known contemporary Indian musician by Hans Neuhoff in Musik in Geschichte und Gegenwart.Shankar was born in Varanasi and spent...
(2000), (India), composer, musician, Sitar maestro, artist. - Julia ChildJulia ChildJulia Child was an American chef, author, and television personality. She is recognized for introducing French cuisine to the American public with her debut cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, and her subsequent television programs, the most notable of which was The French Chef, which...
(2000), (US), introduced French cuisine and cooking to 'mainstream Americans' 1960s, Cordon-Bleu ChefChefA chef is a person who cooks professionally for other people. Although over time the term has come to describe any person who cooks for a living, traditionally it refers to a highly skilled professional who is proficient in all aspects of food preparation.-Etymology:The word "chef" is borrowed ...
, cookbooks author, and media personality-celebrity. - Toomas Hendrik IlvesToomas Hendrik IlvesToomas Hendrik Ilves is the fourth and current President of Estonia. He is a former diplomat and journalist, was the leader of the Social Democratic Party in the 1990s and later a member of the European Parliament...
(2001), (Estonia) President; Commander of the Légion d'Honneur. - Quincy JonesQuincy JonesQuincy Delightt Jones, Jr. is an American record producer and musician. A conductor, musical arranger, film composer, television producer, and trumpeter. His career spans five decades in the entertainment industry and a record 79 Grammy Award nominations, 27 Grammys, including a Grammy Legend...
(2001), (US), the American record producer and musician. - Joe WalshJoe Walsh (Irish politician)Joe Walsh is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He was a Teachta Dála for Cork South West and was first elected as a TD at the 1977 general election. He lost his seat in 1981 but regained it again in 1982 and served as a TD until retiring at the 2007 general election...
(2002), (Ireland), former Irish Minister for Agriculture and Food, received the Grand Cross. - Adoor GopalakrishnanAdoor GopalakrishnanMoutatthu "Adoor" Gopalakrishnan Unnithan is an Indian film director, script writer, and producer. Adoor Gopalakrishnan had a major role in revolutionizing Malayalam cinema and is regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of India.. Adoor's first film Swayamvaram pioneered the new wave cinema...
(2003), (India), film director - Guadalupe LoaezaGuadalupe LoaezaMaría Guadalupe Loaeza Tovar is a contemporary Mexican writer, author of many books including Las Niñas Bien, Las Reinas de Polanco, Debo, Luego Sufro and Compro, Luego Existo, in which she ironizes about the Mexican upper class...
(2003), (Mexico) writer - Ernesto BertarelliErnesto BertarelliErnesto Bertarelli is a Swiss-Italian billionaire and entrepreneur.Together with his extended family, Bertarelli was ranked 81st in the 2011 annual ranking of the world's wealthiest people compiled and published by Forbes magazine, The family's wealth was estimated at US$10.0...
(2003), (Switzerland), sailor and entrepreneur - Dame Shirley Bassey (2003), (UK), Welsh singer
- Henry AllinghamHenry AllinghamHenry William Allingham was a British supercentenarian, First World War veteran and, for one month, the verified oldest living man in the world...
(2003), (UK) World's oldest man at the time of his death and second oldest military veteran of all time(Appointed Officier in 2009). - Alice SchwarzerAlice SchwarzerAlice Schwarzer is the most prominent contemporary German feminist. She is founder and publisher of the German feminist journal EMMA.-Biography and positions:...
(2004), (Germany), feminist was made Knight - E. SreedharanE. SreedharanElattuvalapil Sreedharan is the managing director of Delhi Metro.-Early life:E. Sreedharan was born in a family of Palakkad district, Kerala. His family hails from Karukaputhoor in Palakkad district of Kerala...
(2005), (India), technocrat known for Konkan Rail and Delhi Metro Rail Projects - Franco Venturini (2005), (Italy), journalist and expert in international politics
- Robert ParkerRobert M. Parker, Jr.Robert M. Parker, Jr. is a leading U.S. wine critic with an international influence. His wine ratings on a 100-point scale and his newsletter The Wine Advocate, with his particular stylistic preferences and notetaking vocabulary, have become very influential in American wine buying and are...
(2005), (US), the American pre-eminent wine critic, received the title of Officier - R.K. Pachauri (2006), (India), environmentalist, chairman of IPCC.
- Valentino Garavani (2006), (Italy), fashion designer
- Vladimir PutinVladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich Putin served as the second President of the Russian Federation and is the current Prime Minister of Russia, as well as chairman of United Russia and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union of Russia and Belarus. He became acting President on 31 December 1999, when...
(2006), (Russia), former PresidentPresidentA president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
of Russian Federation. - Sir Stuart BellStuart BellSir Stuart Bell is a British Labour Party politician, who has been the Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough since 1983.-Early life:...
(2006), (UK) MP for Middlesbrough, appointed Chevalier - Lt. Col. Herbert E. Carter (2006), (US), Tuskegee Airman, for his outstanding service during the liberation of France during World War II; presented by former French President Jacques ChiracJacques ChiracJacques René Chirac is a French politician who served as President of France from 1995 to 2007. He previously served as Prime Minister of France from 1974 to 1976 and from 1986 to 1988 , and as Mayor of Paris from 1977 to 1995.After completing his studies of the DEA's degree at the...
. - Harold PinterHarold PinterHarold Pinter, CH, CBE was a Nobel Prize–winning English playwright and screenwriter. One of the most influential modern British dramatists, his writing career spanned more than 50 years. His best-known plays include The Birthday Party , The Homecoming , and Betrayal , each of which he adapted to...
(2007), (UK), British playwright and 2005 Nobel Laureate in literatureNobel Prize in LiteratureSince 1901, the Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded annually to an author from any country who has, in the words from the will of Alfred Nobel, produced "in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction"...
, received the award from Prime Minister Dominique de VillepinDominique de VillepinDominique Marie François René Galouzeau de Villepin is a French politician who served as the Prime Minister of France from 31 May 2005 to 17 May 2007.... - Angus Houston (2007), (Australia), Air Chief Marshal and Chief of the Australian Defence Force, received the degree of Commander
- Leo ApothekerLeo ApothekerLéo Apotheker is the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, having served in that position from November 2010 to 22nd September 2011, and the former CEO of SAP AG, having served in that position from April 2008 to February 2010...
(2007), (Germany), co-CEO of software company SAP - Professors Lap-Chee TsuiLap-Chee TsuiProfessor Lap-chee Tsui, OC, O.Ont is a Chinese-Canadian geneticist and currently the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Hong Kong.-Personal life:Tsui was born in Shanghai...
and Malik PeirisMalik PeirisJoseph Malik Sriyal Peiris , FRS, Légion d'Honneur was born in Sri Lanka , a distinguished old boy of St. Anthony's College, Kandy and later studied medicine at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka...
(2007), (Hong Kong and Sri LankaSri LankaSri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
), respectively, were decorated as Knights - Amitabh BachchanAmitabh BachchanAmitabh Bachchan is an Indian film actor. He first gained popularity in the early 1970s as the "angry young man" of Hindi cinema, and has since appeared in over 180 Indian films in a career spanning more than four decades...
(2007), (India), actor and BollywoodBollywoodBollywood is the informal term popularly used for the Hindi-language film industry based in Mumbai , Maharashtra, India. The term is often incorrectly used to refer to the whole of Indian cinema; it is only a part of the total Indian film industry, which includes other production centers producing...
star - Lata MangeshkarLata MangeshkarLata Mangeshkar is a singer from India. She is one of the best-known and most respected playback singers in India. Mangeshkar's career started in 1942 and has spanned over six and a half decades. She has recorded songs for over a thousand Hindi films and has sung songs in over thirty-six regional...
(2007), (India), singer - Boris PahorBoris PahorBoris Pahor is a Slovene writer from Italy. He is considered to be one of the most influential living authors in the Slovene language and has been nominated for the Nobel prize for literature by the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts...
(2007), (Slovenia), writer was decorated as Knight - Im Kwon-taekIm Kwon-taekIm Kwon-taek is one of South Korea's most renowned film directors. In an active and prolific career, his films have won many domestic and international film festival awards as well as considerable box-office success, and helped bring international attention to the Korean film industry.- Early life...
(2007), (South Korea), film director - HRH Galyani VadhanaGalyani VadhanaHer Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, the Princess of Naradhiwas , was a princess of Thailand and the elder sister of King Ananda Mahidol and King Bhumibol Adulyadej...
(2007), (ThailandThailandThailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
), was decorated with the Grand Officer - Alber Elbaz (2007), the head designer of Lanvin Paris Couture, received the title Chevalier of Légion d'honneur
- Clint Eastwood (2007), (US), film actor and director
- Daniel Ken Inouye (2007), (US), Senator from Hawai'i, a highly decorated World War II combat veteran, was personally inducted as Chevalier by French President Nicolas SarkozyNicolas SarkozyNicolas Sarkozy is the 23rd and current President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra. He assumed the office on 16 May 2007 after defeating the Socialist Party candidate Ségolène Royal 10 days earlier....
- David LynchDavid LynchDavid Keith Lynch is an American filmmaker, television director, visual artist, musician and occasional actor. Known for his surrealist films, he has developed his own unique cinematic style, which has been dubbed "Lynchian", and which is characterized by its dream imagery and meticulous sound...
(2007), (US), film director - Michael Maglaras (2007),(US), businessman and filmmaker, of Connecticut, for services to cultural understanding, the arts, and music
- Charles Norman Shay (2007), (US), of the Penobscot Indian Nation, Maine, a recipient of the Silver StarSilver StarThe Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
for valour in action at Omaha Beach, D-Day, 6 June 1944, was personally inducted as Chevalier by French President Nicolas SarkozyNicolas SarkozyNicolas Sarkozy is the 23rd and current President of the French Republic and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra. He assumed the office on 16 May 2007 after defeating the Socialist Party candidate Ségolène Royal 10 days earlier.... - Festus MogaeFestus MogaeFestus Gontebanye Mogae is a Botswana politician who was President of Botswana from 1998 to 2008. He succeeded Quett Masire as President in 1998 and was reelected in October 2004; after ten years in office, he stepped down in 2008 and was succeeded by Lieutenant General Ian Khama...
(2008), (BotswanaBotswanaBotswana, officially the Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" . Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966...
), the President - Íngrid BetancourtÍngrid BetancourtIngrid Betancourt Pulecio is a Colombian politician, former senator and anti-corruption activist.Betancourt was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia on 23 February 2002 and was rescued by Colombian security forces six and a half years later on 2 July 2008...
(2008), (Colombia), a Colombian-French politician, released after six years of captivity under the Revolutionary Armed Forces of ColombiaRevolutionary Armed Forces of ColombiaThe Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People's Army is a Marxist–Leninist revolutionary guerrilla organization based in Colombia which is involved in the ongoing Colombian armed conflict, currently involved in drug dealing and crimes against the civilians..FARC-EP is a peasant army which...
(FARC). - Kutateladze Samson (2008), (Georgia), Brigade General Member of Parliament http://www.parliament.geliment.ge
- Shimon PeresShimon PeresGCMG is the ninth President of the State of Israel. Peres served twice as the eighth Prime Minister of Israel and once as Interim Prime Minister, and has been a member of 12 cabinets in a political career spanning over 66 years...
(2008), (Israel), the President - Giorgio ArmaniGiorgio ArmaniGiorgio Armani is an Italian fashion designer, particularly noted for his menswear. He is known today for his clean, tailored lines. He formed his company, Armani, in 1975, and by 2001 was acclaimed as the most successful designer to come out of Italy, with an annual turnover of $1.6 billion and a...
(2008), (Italy), internationally renowned Italian fashion, furniture, and accessories designer. - Miriam WereMiriam WereMiriam K. Were is a Kenyan public health advocate, academic, and recipient of the first Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize.-Academic experience:...
(2008), (Kenya), health advocate - Randa Habib (2008), (Lebanon), the LebaneseLebanonLebanon , officially the Republic of LebanonRepublic of Lebanon is the most common term used by Lebanese government agencies. The term Lebanese Republic, a literal translation of the official Arabic and French names that is not used in today's world. Arabic is the most common language spoken among...
-French director of Agence France Presse's office in AmmanAmmanAmman is the capital of Jordan. It is the country's political, cultural and commercial centre and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The Greater Amman area has a population of 2,842,629 as of 2010. The population of Amman is expected to jump from 2.8 million to almost...
, JordanJordanJordan , officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan , Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing...
. - Dame Ellen MacArthurEllen MacArthurDame Ellen Patricia MacArthur, DBE is an English sailor, up until 2009, from Whatstandwell near Matlock in Derbyshire, now based in West Cowes, on the Isle of Wight. She is best known as a solo long-distance yachtswoman. On 7 February 2005 she broke the world record for the fastest solo...
(2008), (UK), a sailor who previously held the record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in a yacht. - Charles DurningCharles DurningCharles Durning is an American actor. With appearances in over 100 films, Durning's memorable roles include police officers in the Oscar-winning The Sting and crime drama Dog Day Afternoon , along with the comedies Tootsie, To Be Or Not To Be and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, the last two...
(2008), (US), actor, in recognition of his service with distinction during World War II in France. - Alain Frecon (2008), (US), Honorary Consul of France, Minnesota.
- David PetraeusDavid PetraeusDavid Howell Petraeus is the current Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, sworn in on September 6, 2011. Prior to his assuming the directorship of the CIA, Petraeus was a four-star general serving over 37 years in the United States Army. His last assignments in the Army were as commander...
(2008), (US), Commander of CENTCOM. - Steven SpielbergSteven SpielbergSteven Allan Spielberg KBE is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, video game designer, and studio entrepreneur. In a career of more than four decades, Spielberg's films have covered many themes and genres. Spielberg's early science-fiction and adventure films were seen as an...
(2008), (US), film director, studio executive, and producer. - Mamadou Moustapha Sall (2008), (US), Secretary General of Cams
- Professor Suzanne CorySuzanne CorySuzanne Cory, AC, FAA, FRS is an Australian biologist.Cory is the current President of the Australian Academy of Science. She is the first-elected female President of the Academy and took office on 7 May 2010 for a five year term...
(2009), (Australia), medical scientist, received the title of Chevalier for research at the Institut Pasteur. - David Cronenberg (2009), (Canada), film director whose credits include Crash and The Fly; appointed Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres
- Asha Pande (2009), (India), Foreign Language Department, University of RajasthanUniversity of RajasthanUniversity of Rajasthan is the oldest university in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was set up on 8 January 1947 as the University of Rajputana and was given its current name in 1956.- Introduction :...
, IndiaIndiaIndia , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, for encouraging the teaching and cultural activities of France. - Milva (Maria Ilva Biolcati)MilvaMaria Ilva Biolcati , known as Milva, is an Italian singer, actress and television personality. She is also known as 'La Rossa', , due to the colour of her hair, and additionally as the 'Panther of Goro', which stems from the Italian press having nicknamed the three most popular Italian female...
(2009), (Italy), Italian singer and actress, received the title of Chevalier of the Legion of Honour on 11 September 2009 for her contributions to French culture. - Riyoko IkedaRiyoko Ikedais a Japanese manga artist and singer. She is included in the Year 24 Group. She was one of the most popular Japanese comic artists in the 1970s, being best known for The Rose of Versailles.- Biography :...
(2009), (Japan), Japanese manga artist, for the manga "Lady Oscar"The Rose of Versailles, also known as Lady Oscar or La Rose de Versailles, is one of the best-known titles in shōjo manga and a media franchise created by Riyoko Ikeda. It has been adapted into several Takarazuka Revue musicals, as well an anime television series, produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha and broadcast by the...
which takes place during the French Revolution - Dame Carol KiduCarol KiduDame Carol Kidu, Lady Kidu, DBE is an Australian-born Papua New Guinean politician. She is the only current female member of Parliament, and served as Minister for Community Development under Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare from 2002 to 2011...
(2009), (Papua New Guinea), received the title of Chevalier, for her efforts on promoting human rights. She was the first Papua New GuineaPapua New GuineaPapua New Guinea , officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania, occupying the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands...
n citizen to receive the award. - Mikhail Zlatkovsky (2009), (Russia) artist, cartoonist
- Veran MatićVeran MaticVeran Matić , born on 1962 in Sabac, Serbia, is the Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief of Belgrade’s leading independent Radio and Television station B92 , Serbia’s commercially funded public service broadcaster, managing the company’s radio, TV, online, publishing and cultural services...
(2009), (Serbia), SerbiaSerbiaSerbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
n journalist and editor-in-chief of B92B92B92 is a radio and television broadcaster with national coverage headquartered in Belgrade, Serbia. The network's key demographic is chiefly urban and young audience. Its programs, including the news cover topics with fairly liberal political painted attitudes...
"for the fight he has always led for independence and freedom of the media". - Ružica Đinđić (2009), (Serbia), SerbiaSerbiaSerbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
n humanitarian, widow of Prime Minister of SerbiaSerbiaSerbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
Zoran Đinđić "because of her active work at the foundation she heads". - John GallianoJohn GallianoJohn Charles Galliano CBE, RDI is a Gibraltan-born British fashion designer who was best known as head designer of French haute couture houses Givenchy and Christian Dior , and his own self titled fashion house.-Family:He was born in Gibraltar to a Gibraltarian father, Juan Galliano, and a...
(2009), (UK), GibraltarianGibraltarian peopleThe Gibraltarians are a cultural group native to Gibraltar, a British overseas territory located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula at the entrance to the Mediterranean sea.- Origins :...
BritishBritish peopleThe British are citizens of the United Kingdom, of the Isle of Man, any of the Channel Islands, or of any of the British overseas territories, and their descendants...
coutureHaute coutureHaute couture refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing. Haute couture is made to order for a specific customer, and it is usually made from high-quality, expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and capable seamstresses,...
designer, creative director of Christian DiorChristian DiorChristian Dior , was a French fashion designer, best known as the founder of one of the world's top fashion houses, also called Christian Dior.-Life:...
. - Sir David KingDavid King (scientist)Sir David Anthony King FRS is the Director of the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford, Director of Research in Physical Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, Director of the Collegio Carlo Alberto, Chancellor of the University of Liverpool and a senior...
(2009), (UK), Former Chief Scientific Advisor to the British Government - J. K. RowlingJ. K. RowlingJoanne "Jo" Rowling, OBE , better known as J. K. Rowling, is the British author of the Harry Potter fantasy series...
(2009), (UK), British Author, writer of the acclaimed Harry Potter series. - Jim Bittermann (2009), (US), CNN Senior Correspondent for his service in US/France understanding over his almost 30 years resident in Paris.
- Ralph L. Bourgeois MD (2009), (US), Captain US Army 91st Medical Gas Treatment Battalion & Mobile Field Surgical Hospital, WW II D-DayD-DayD-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar...
at Utah BeachUtah BeachUtah Beach was the code name for the right flank, or westernmost, of the Allied landing beaches during the D-Day invasion of Normandy, as part of Operation Overlord on 6 June 1944...
contributions to the liberation of the French Republic; and French language preservation via 'Council for Development of French in Louisiana' (CODOFIL). - Sgt. Lee M. Brown (2009), (US), World War II U. S. Army 5th Ranger Battalion "for his valour on Omaha BeachOmaha BeachOmaha Beach is the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944, during World War II...
during the D-Day landing". - James T. ConwayJames T. ConwayJames Terry Conway is a retired United States Marine Corps four-star general who was the 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps...
(2009), (US), General, United States Marine CorpsUnited States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
CommandantCommandant of the Marine CorpsThe Commandant of the Marine Corps is normally the highest ranking officer in the United States Marine Corps and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff...
. - Jacob Noah Cutler (2009), (US), Army veteran of World War II - V Corps Patton's 3rd. Army; for valour on Omaha Beach during the D-Day landings.
- Clint EastwoodClint EastwoodClinton "Clint" Eastwood, Jr. is an American film actor, director, producer, composer and politician. Eastwood first came to prominence as a supporting cast member in the TV series Rawhide...
(2009), (US), American actor, film director, film producer and composer. - Raymond Farrell (2009), (US), Highly decorated World War II & Korean War Veteran
- John Harry Kellers (2009), (US), Navy veteran of World War II- LCT 539- for valour on Omaha BeachOmaha BeachOmaha Beach is the code name for one of the five sectors of the Allied invasion of German-occupied France in the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944, during World War II...
during the D-DayD-DayD-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar...
landings. - Wynton MarsalisWynton MarsalisWynton Learson Marsalis is a trumpeter, composer, bandleader, music educator, and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Marsalis has promoted the appreciation of classical and jazz music often to young audiences...
(2009), (US), an American trumpeter and composer was awarded the level of the insignia of chevalier of the Legion of Honour on Nov 6, 2009 - Pat Nash (2009), (US), General, Operational Commander of Eufor TCHAD & CAR, awarded Officer Grade.
- William "Bill" Bruce Overstreet, Jr. (2009), (US), USAAF, WWII Fighter Pilot, with the 357th FG, 363rd FS. The "Yoxford Boys". Flew a P-51 "Mustang", named "Berlin Express". Only known Allied fighter pilot to turn in a kill while flying under the "Eiffel Tower" in Paris chasing a German Me-109. Chevalier medal, presented by Ambassador to the US Pierre Vimont at the D-Day Memorial December 8, 2009AD, Bedford, VA US. Vimont said of Bill Overstreet in his speech that the Legion of Honour is "The sign of my country's exceptional recognition of Captain Overstreet's heroic contribution to the liberation of France."
- Robert O. Paxton (2009), (US), Historian recognised for his expertise on the Vichy regime in France during World War II.
- Steve PisanosSteve PisanosSteve Pisanos born in Greece as Spiros Pisanos is a USAF Colonel who served successfully as a fighter pilot with the British Royal Air Force and the United States Air Force 4th Fighter Group in World War II, having been credited with 10 victories and thus considered an ace...
(2009), (US), Colonel, World War II fighter pilot, after shot down participated with the French ResistanceFrench ResistanceThe French Resistance is the name used to denote the collection of French resistance movements that fought against the Nazi German occupation of France and against the collaborationist Vichy régime during World War II...
. - Peter Sloboda (2009), (US), Army veteran of World War II - for valour and bravery during the D-Day landings, Chevalier of the Legion of Honour 2009.
- Settimeo Tiberio (2009), (US), decorated World War II Veteran recognised for his valour during the D-Day invasion.
2010 to present
- Tony FernandesTony FernandesTan Sri Anthony Francis Fernandes CBE is a Malaysian entrepreneur and the founder of Tune Air Sdn. Bhd., who introduced the first budget no-frills airline, AirAsia, to Malaysians with the tagline "Now everyone can fly"...
(2010), AirAsiaAirAsiaAirAsia Berhad is a Malaysian-based low-cost airline. AirAsia is Asia's largest low-fare, no-frills airline and a pioneer of low-cost travel in Asia. AirAsia group operates scheduled domestic and international flights to over 400 destinations spanning 25 countries. Its main hub is the Low-Cost...
and Lotus F1 director, Officier of the Légion d'honneur for contribution to the aviation industry. - Michael SchumacherMichael SchumacherMichael Schumacher is a German Formula One racing driver for the Mercedes GP team. Famous for his eleven-year spell with Ferrari, Schumacher is a seven-time World Champion and is widely regarded as the greatest F1 driver of all time...
(2010), seven-time Formula OneFormula OneFormula One, also known as Formula 1 or F1 and referred to officially as the FIA Formula One World Championship, is the highest class of single seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The "formula" designation in the name refers to a set of rules with which...
World Champion Mercedes GPMercedes GPMercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team, the trading name of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited, is a British-based Formula One racing team and constructor, owned by Mercedes-Benz and racing under a German licence since the 2010 season....
driver, Officier of the Légion d'honneur. - Ralph LaurenRalph LaurenRalph Lauren is an American fashion designer and business executive; best known for his Polo Ralph Lauren clothing brand.-Early life:...
(2010), founder of Polo Ralph LaurenPolo Ralph LaurenRalph Lauren Corporation is a luxury clothing and goods company of the American fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Ralph Lauren specializes in high-end casual/semi-formal wear for men and women, as well as accessories, fragrances, home and housewares...
, Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur. - Wesley J. Souliere (2010), (US) Second Lieutenant, 26th Yankee Division, awarded for his "...Courage and devotion to freedom".
- Violette VerdyViolette VerdyViolette Verdy is a French ballerina who has worked as a director of dance companies and in other related capacities since her retirement from performing in the late 1970s. Verdy began dance training as a small child and performed with Les Ballets des Champs-Elysées beginning in 1945...
(2010), (France) - Sergey Viktorovich ChemezovSergey ChemezovSergey Viktorovich Chemezov is a former KGB agent and later Russian businessman and official.In 1983–1988 he worked as an undercover KGB agent in an obscure company in Dresden, East Germany, where his neighbor was KGB officer Vladimir Putin....
(2010), General Director of Russian Technologies State Corporation, Rostekhnologii (the company about the company) , Officer of the Légion d'honneur for a hefty contribution to Russian-French cooperation in high-tech production - Gilbert Pritzel (2010), (US) Staff Sergeant US Army Third Infantry Division, awarded for his courage in the face of the enemy and his help in the liberation of France.
- Toni MorrisonToni MorrisonToni Morrison is a Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, editor, and professor. Her novels are known for their epic themes, vivid dialogue, and richly detailed characters. Among her best known novels are The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon and Beloved...
(2010), "the greatest American woman novelist of her time" -Mitterand 2010 - Mehriban AliyevaMehriban AliyevaMehriban Arif qizi Aliyeva is the head of Azerbaijan's Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the wife of its current president Ilham Aliyev. The Sunday Times, writing in 2005 about Mrs...
(2010), AzerbaijanAzerbaijanAzerbaijan , officially the Republic of Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, it is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, and Iran to...
’s first lady. - Vladimir SpivakovVladimir SpivakovVladimir Teodorovich Spivakov is a leading Russian conductor and violinist best known for his work with the chamber orchestra....
(2011) (Russia), violinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
ist and conductorConductingConducting is the art of directing a musical performance by way of visible gestures. The primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats, and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble...
. - Joseph BrodskyJoseph BrodskyIosif Aleksandrovich Brodsky , was a Russian poet and essayist.In 1964, 23-year-old Brodsky was arrested and charged with the crime of "social parasitism" He was expelled from the Soviet Union in 1972 and settled in America with the help of W. H. Auden and other supporters...
(2011) (Russia/US), poetPoetryPoetry is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning...
and essayEssayAn essay is a piece of writing which is often written from an author's personal point of view. Essays can consist of a number of elements, including: literary criticism, political manifestos, learned arguments, observations of daily life, recollections, and reflections of the author. The definition...
ist; won 1987 Nobel Prize in LiteratureNobel Prize in LiteratureSince 1901, the Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded annually to an author from any country who has, in the words from the will of Alfred Nobel, produced "in the field of literature the most outstanding work in an ideal direction"...
. - Aleksey Venediktov (2011) (Russia), editor-in-chief of Echo of MoscowEcho of MoscowEcho of Moscow is a Russian radio station based in Moscow, broadcasting in many Russian cities, in some of the former-Soviet republics , and via the Internet, which some observers describe as "the last bastion of free media in Russia"...
radio station. - Sergey YastrzhembskySergey YastrzhembskySergey Vladimirovich Yastrzhembsky , born December 4, 1953, Moscow, is a Russian Federation politician and diplomat born into a Polish family, Jastrzębski vel Jastrzembski...
(2011) (Russia), diplomatDiplomatA diplomat is a person appointed by a state to conduct diplomacy with another state or international organization. The main functions of diplomats revolve around the representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending state, as well as the promotion of information and...
and politican. - Vladimir PutinVladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich Putin served as the second President of the Russian Federation and is the current Prime Minister of Russia, as well as chairman of United Russia and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union of Russia and Belarus. He became acting President on 31 December 1999, when...
(2011) (Russia), second President of Russia and current Prime MinisterPrime Minister of RussiaThe Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation The use of the term "Prime Minister" is strictly informal and is not allowed for by the Russian Constitution and other laws....
. - Emir KusturicaEmir KusturicaEmir Nemanja Kusturica , is a Serbian filmmaker, actor and musician, recognized for several internationally acclaimed feature films...
(2011), Serbian filmmaker. - Ambiga SreenevasanAmbiga SreenevasanDato' Ambiga Sreenevasan is a Malaysian lawyer who served as the President of the Malaysian Bar Council from 2007 to 2009. She is a former student of Convent Bukit Nanas and served as the Head Prefect in 1975....
(2011), "for her work in human rights advocacy". - Same Ekobo Albert (2011)(Cameroun), "Professor Of Medecine. Malaria Specialist".