SCHAUMBURG – A suburban Chicago World War II veteran who fought for the U.S. the Battle of the Bulge and on D-Day will become a knight of the French Legion of Honor later this month for his contribution to the liberation of France.

Jim Butz will receive the honor, which is considered France’s highest distinction, March 1 at the French consulate in Chicago, the Daily Herald reported. The Schaumburg resident will be honored for his role liberating France from Germany in 1944 and 1945.

The award cannot be given posthumously. U.S. veterans who fought in one of four French campaigns in World War II can receive the honor, which is bestowed annually to only 100 people.