American Scene: France honors WWII vets at military academy

NEW YORK

WEST POINT — France has bestowed honors on three dozen World War II veterans at the U.S. Military Academy.

The French ambassador to the United States awarded the French Legion of Honor during a ceremony held Tuesday at West Point, on the Hudson River north of New York City. It’s the highest decoration given by France.

Since 2005, more than 300 American veterans who fought in France during World War II have received the honor. Among those receiving the Legion of Honor at West Point were several combat veterans from New York.

French officials say they chose West Point to host the ceremony because the military academy produced officers who led troops in France during both world wars. The academy was established in 1802, the same year Napoleon Bonaparte founded the Legion of Honor.

RHODE ISLAND

Gun parts found in toys at airport being probed

WARWICK — Officials say a man whose child had gun parts and ammunition hidden inside stuffed animals in his carry-on bag was detained for three hours before being released.

Authorities say federal transportation agents found the items Monday when the man and his 4-year-old went through security at Rhode Island’s T.F. Green Airport. The man said he didn’t know the items were there.

An airport spokeswoman says he was detained for three hours and let go. He continued traveling Tuesday.

Airport Police Chief Leo Messier said Tuesday the case “appears to be the result of a domestic dispute,” but he didn’t elaborate. Airport police, state police and the FBI are investigating.

ILLINOIS

Pilot who saved 184 in Sioux City crash dies

ST. CHARLES — The pilot who helped save 184 people during a plane crash in Sioux City, Iowa, has died at the age of 69.

Rosa Fitch says her husband, Dennis Fitch, died at their home in St. Charles of brain cancer on Monday.

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