Penn State Altoona professor’s book helps World War II veteran earn Legion of Honor

ALTOONA, Pa. — A book written by Jared Frederick, associate teaching professor at Penn State Altoona, helped a World War II veteran receive the Legion of Honor award, the highest distinction the French government can give to a citizen or foreigner.

101-year-old veteran John Homan, who lives in State College, flew 34 combat missions in 1944 with the U.S. Army Eighth Air Force out of England.

Frederick worked with Homan to publish Homan's memoir “Into the Cold Blue: My World War II Journeys with the Mighty Eighth Air Force.” The book was released in 2024.

To be eligible for the award, it must be proven that the veteran in question contributed to the liberation of France. The original research compiled for “Into the Cold Blue” was foundational to the substantial nomination submitted for Homan to the French government. This included 1944 reports, commendations, photos, plus a detailed description of his professional history before, during and since the Second World War.

Frederick was assisted by Eric Montgomery, a veteran advocate who has helped over 60 World War II veterans attain the same award. Frederick and Montgomery submitted the nomination in May.

Homan was honored during a ceremony on Dec. 10, in which Caroline Monvoisin, a Consul General from the French Embassy, thanked Homan for his service and presented the Legion of Honor medal on behalf of the president of France.

Frederick was one of the speakers at the event.

“The opportunity to collaborate with John has been one of the great professional and personal rewards of my career,” Frederick said. “His firsthand recollections have enriched my understanding of the Second World War, and I plan to incorporate those perspectives into my World War II class this spring semester. I also hope to arrange a meeting between John and my students as it may be the final chance they have to converse with a 1944 combat veteran.”