D-Day veteran Stanley, 93, still waiting for medal
He risked his life for his country by fighting on Sword Beach during the notorious D-Day landings.
But months after notifying the Ministry of Defence, Second World War veteran Stanley Harris from Walsall has yet to receive confirmation of whether he will be recognised for his bravery.
In recent weeks the 93-year-old of St Michael's Close, Aldridge, has watched on as other British survivors, including former soldiers from the borough, have received their Legion D'Honneur medals - the commendation introduced by the French government in 2014 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings.
His family submitted the required paperwork on his behalf in July but four months on they have yet to even receive any acknowledgement from the MoD.
Son-in-law William Carlon, aged 54 from Burton, said: "I'm a 6ft bloke and reading about what he went through brings tears to my eyes.
"He doesn't talk about it much, but he is a very proud man and we are all very proud of him.
"He has asked how long it will be before he gets his medal and has said 'will I get it before I go?'
"We've seen a lot of people get theirs and just think it would be nice if he was recognised."
Mr Harris joined the air force in 1940 but six months later was transferred to the army.
Like many soldiers he was posted to various parts of the country before learning he would be part of Operation Overload - the largest amphibious attack in history which saw more than 150,000 Allies land on the coast of France's Normandy region which was heavily fortified by German troops.
It was during these sieges where Mr Harris was nearly killed after an enemy soldier jumped into the trenches and stabbed him in the arm with a bayonet, only for his sergeant to come to his rescue.
After the Allies seized control of Normandy he served with the 184 Field Park Company rebuilding the roads and transporting equipment and supplies to the frontlines.
Following his release from the army in late 1945 Mr Harris married wife Margaret a year later who has since passed away. The father-of-two, grandfather and great-grandfather has worked for engineering firms including Aldridge-based company Birlick.
Ministry of Defence spokeswoman Harriet Crawford said: "We know that everyone involved is doing their utmost to ensure British D-Day veterans, like Mr Harris, get their Legion D'honneur awards as soon as possible.
"The MoD is assisting our French colleagues with a new system that is greatly speeding up the process."
