LINFIELD — A 101-year-old from Linfield, a thrice-wounded veteran of some of World War II’s most famous and deadliest battles, has received France’s highest honor — the Legion of Honor — from the French government.
The award was presented at the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry and can be added to Ted Novak’s other military honors – a Purple Heart with two oak clusters, his Combat Infantry Badge for Exemplary Conduct in Action, his Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the certificate of Merit Medal, the Silver Star Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Theater ribbon.
All are for his service in the European theater during World War II. In attendance at the ceremony in March was the Mayor of Phoenixville, representatives from both the French and American governments, and friends and family.
Novak was born Oct. 1, 1922, in Macungie. His family moved to Linfield when he was very young. He grew up, went to school, went to war and returned home to Linfield. He worked at the Kinsey Distillery after graduating from Pottstown High School in 1941 and after his return from World War II.
In May of 1943 at the age of 20, Novak was drafted into the US Army and did his basic training at Camp Shelby in Mississippi.
He arrived on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on June 30, 1944, just 24 days after that beach was taken as part of the D-Day operation, the largest amphibious invasion in military history.
Novak was assigned to the 83rd Infantry Division, Company C, 331st Infantry, generally known as the “Thunderbolts.”
With his unit, Novak participated in the following battles and campaigns:
•Normandy Campaign
• Campaign of Northern France
•Ardennes Campaign (also known as the Battle of the Bulge)
•Rhineland Campaign
•Campaign of Central Europe
On Aug. 13, 1944, Novak was shot and severely wounded. He was awarded a Purple Heart.
On Sept. 13, 1944, just two days after being discharged from the hospital, he received the Combat Infantry Badge for Exemplary Conduct in Action against the enemy in France.
Novak was shot again just one month later on Oct. 14, 1944, receiving an Oak Leaf Cluster to his Purple Heart.
Private First Class Ted Novak received his Bronze Star for actions on Christmas Eve 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge.
According to his citation: “… While under fire from enemy artillery and mortar guns, Private Novak assisted the aid man in the evacuation to safety of ten men who had been hit by fragments from mortar and artillery shells. After assisting in administering first aid he then aided in the evacuation of the wounded by stretcher, cross country to an aid station in another town. His unselfish devotion to duty reflect great credit upon himself and his military service.”
He would receive another Oak Leaf Cluster to his Purple Heart in April 1945 when his machine gun nest was hit by a German mortar shell killing one soldier and severely injuring Novak and another soldier.
He was in hospitals and a rehabilitation center until October 1945 when he received his Honorable Discharge.
When he returned home from the war, he became active in his community serving as president of the Linfield Athletic Committee that built baseball fields.
During the ceremony in March, Marine Fraval-Vennel, Honorary Consulate of France in Philadelphia, called Novak “a true American Hero,” adding “he answered the call of duty when most nations needed him most.”
“It was the sacrifices made by American soldiers during World War II, including during the liberation of France, that an eternal bond was created between our two countries,” Consule Générale Caroline Monvoisin said during the ceremony. “You fought for all of humanity. The courage that you displayed then will never be forgotten and that is why we are gathered here today to present you with a Legion of Honor.”
“This award was created in 1802 by then First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte to reward to reward civilians, and military personnel for exceptional service to France. Ever since then it has been France’s highest national award. The president of France himself serves at the legend of honors Grandmaster which means that he’s responsible for choosing each of the award recipients. By receiving this medal today you are joining the ranks of over 300 American veterans. You, Private Novak, are a hero among heroes,” Monvoisin said.
Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urshceler said Novak is “not only an American hero but a community treasure to the Borough of Phoenixville.”
