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Castillo honored by Legion of Honor
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Bill Castillo - photo by GLENN KAHL

SAN FRANCISCO — Manteca’s Bill Castillo received the French Legion of Honor award on Memorial Day from French Consul General Romain Serman who personally bestowed the coveted honor to six World War II veterans for their service in France.

The Silver Star recipient was a ppointed to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor – that country’s highest distinction.  Castillo, a longtime Manteca Realtor, received major injuries at his machine gun post while serving in France.

The honorees gathered at the Presidio’s main Post near Sheridan and Lincoln Boulevard at 10:30 a.m. on Monday. From there the commemoration included a parade of the 191st Army Band, veterans’ organizations and distinguished guests enroute to the San Francisco National Cemetery.

Castillo’s son accompanied his dad. The ceremonies. It included music and remarks by military and civilian dignitaries.

A 21-gun salute by the U.S. Army’s 75th Pacific Division concluded the ceremonies.