On Sunday, July 7th, 2024 from 3:30pm – to 4:30 pm, at the Westport Town Hall, CT. The medal will be presented by the Consul General of France in New York. Born in Connecticut on February 21st, 1924, Mr. Chalfant enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was 18 years old. He was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division’s 486th Armored Anti-Aircraft Battalion, which was tasked with protecting Allied forces from aerial attack, as well as providing direct fire support against enemy infantry, vehicles, and fortifications. He saw action in the Normandy, northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe campaigns. His battalion encountered every type of German weapon and endured numerous hardships, notably at the Battle of the Bulge.
After returning from the war to Westport, Connecticut, Mr. Chalfant married Mary Speer. They recently celebrated their 76th anniversary. Mr. Chalfant, along with others, helped establish a sister city relationship between Westport and Marigny, France. In 1994, town officials invited him to visit the residents of the historical Normandy town. The Legion of Honor is the French Republic’s highest honorary distinction. It was created by Emperor Napoleon to recognize men and women who have accomplished exceptional deeds for France and its people. In 2004, French President Jacques Chirac decided his country would bestow the award upon all American WWII veterans who fought on its soil, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. “We feel it is our duty to thank the heroes who helped liberate our nation during WWII, while we still can. We owe them our freedom, democracy, and way of life, ” said Damien Laban, Acting Consul General of France in New York.

On June 19th, Americans celebrate Juneteenth National Independence Day. This American holiday commemorates the date when the last enslaved individuals in the United States were freed after the Civil War. In Connecticut, more than eighty percent of eligible Black men enlisted to fight in two “Colored” Infantry units. Today, the Westport Museum and Saugatuck Church honored their service and that of their Commander, Lieutenant Louis McDonough, who is buried at the church’s Evergreen Cemetery in Westport.

Lieutenant McDonough and his men served in the 29th Connecticut Volunteer Regiment aided in the efforts to enforce the emancipation of enslaved people in Galveston Texas on June 19th, 1865, or “Juneteenth” a federal holiday. Fifteen men from Westport were part of the 29th. Their names were Pvt. Samuel Benson, Pvt. Thomas Benson, Pvt. James Burns, Pvt. John Frye, Pvt. Thomas Gregory, Musician Frank Jackson, Pvt. Joseph H. Jackson, Pvt. William H. Jackson, Pvt. William H. Johnson (1st), Pvt. William H. Johnson (2nd), 1st Lt. Louis R. McDonough, 2nd Lt. Louis R. McDonough, Pvt. John Thompson, Pvt. Charles C. Williams, and Pvt. Charles Yan Tross.

“The commemoration of Lieutenant McDonough and his men is part of the Westport Museum’s mission of making history whole by ensuring that hidden histories are surfaced,” said the Museum’s executive director, Ramin Ganeshram.

The memorial was unveiled by local veteran VFW Post 399 Junior Vice Commander/American Legion Post 63 Commander, Sergeant First Class Buyile Rani, CT Army National Guard (Retired). Remarks were made by VFW Post 399 Quartermaster/American Legion Post 63 Adjutant, Phil Delgado, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired), who stated, “The veteran community is honored to acknowledge the bravery and sacrifices of the 29th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry on Juneteenth. Dedicating a plaque serves as a reminder of the progress made in pursuit of equality.” This dedication ceremony highlights the historical contributions of Black soldiers and emphasizes the ongoing efforts to recognize and honor their service.