{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FD468845-9EFC-4B8F-A954-350F263E033A", "Graham Congratulates South Carolina WWII Veteran on Receiving Highest Honor from French Government", "2025-09-12", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "SC", "Lindsey Graham", "G000359", "www.lgraham.senate.gov", "graham", "https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement congratulating Union, South Carolina\u2019s Cecil Hart on receiving France\u2019s highest distinction for his service in World War II. Today, Mr. Hart was awarded the Legion of Honor at a ceremony in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. This award is given by the French government to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to France, including American veterans that risked their lives while fighting on French soil during World War II.\n\n\u201cCongratulations to South Carolina native Cecil Hart on this well-deserved honor. I also appreciate the French government recognizing Mr. Hart for his heroic service in World War II, not only to liberate France, but also to save the rest of the world.\n\n\u201cThank you to everyone involved in making today\u2019s ceremony a success. I commend the determination of those who refuse to allow the sacrifice of the Greatest Generation to be forgotten.\u201d\n\nMore information on Mr. Hart\u2019s service from France\u2019s Consul General in Atlanta:\n\n\u201cBorn on January 31, 1925 in Union, South Carolina, Cecil C. Hart grew up in a farming family before answering the call of duty during World War II. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 2, 1943, and joined Company A of the 36th Medical Battalion as an ambulance driver.\n\n\u201cWhile crossing the English Channel, his division was attacked by a German U-Boat, as a result two thirds of the division was lost. On June 6, 1944, known as D-Day, PFC Cecil C. Hart fought in the Northern France campaign, risking his life to liberate France. PFC Hart separated from the military on February 2, 1946.\n\n\u201cMr. Hart was awarded multiple decorations for his service including: WWII Victory Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, European-African-Middle Eastern Theater with one Bronze Star and a Good Conduct Medal.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=FD468845-9EFC-4B8F-A954-350F263E033A"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.9398628026247025, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}