Ventura Hero Awarded Legion of Honor Medal

Ventura World War II hero Darrel Larsen was awarded the Legion of Honor Medal in a ceremony held in Montecito yesterday. The medal was presented by the French Consul General, David Martinon. The National Order of the Legion of Honor medal is the highest honor the country of France can bestow on a non-French citizen. Darrel Larsen is also the recipient of two Purple Hearts, five Air Medals and two Distinguished Flying Crosses.

Darrel Larsen was a technical sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Larsen was shot down over Normandy's Falaise Gap in August of 1944. He was captured and imprisoned as a prisoner of war by the Germans. While being moved from a German prison camp in March 1945, Darrel Larsen escaped. Mr. Larsen walked for more than 70 days to freedom. He would sleep wherever he could during daylight hours and travel at night. During his flight, he was helped by German resistance fighters.

Darrel Larsen attended Ventura High School before joining the United States Army Air Corps. After the war, Mr. Larsen returned home to Ventura. He married Geraldine Orrell and had two daughters. He also attended Ventura College. In 1951, he graduated from California Polytechnic State University.

Mr. Larsen has owned several businesses in Ventura County, two of which you may be familiar with: the Wagon Wheel Restaurant (Oxnard) and Murphy's Tavern (Ventura). Mr. Larsen also served the Musician's Association of Ventura County Local 581 as president. Darrel Larsen is now 86 years old and is still a Ventura resident.

We thank Mr. Larsen for his contribution and bravery during the dark days of World War II and honor him as a national hero.

Dave and Patricia