100-year-old World War II veteran from San Antonio awarded French Legion of Honor

Sergeant First Class Gerald Mullin, 100, was born in Sweet Home, Texas, in 1924. He enlisted in the Army at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio in 1942. Mullin was inducted into the French Legion of Honor on Wednesday, July 3, at the Fort Sam Houston Theater.

He was a train conductor on the Red Ball Express, an all-black transport unit that delivered weapons, fuel, and food. His efforts were critical in rescuing Jewish victims from concentration camps and in supporting front-line operations against the Nazis. The Red Ball Express traveled throughout Europe, including France and Czechoslovakia.

Mullin has previously received prestigious awards including the African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with two bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal, to name a few.

Photo courtesy of John Welch

French Consul General Valérie Baraban awarded Mullin a Legion medal in recognition of his contribution to the American liberation of France and his heroic actions in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II.

“Gerald Mullin was repeatedly exposed to German landmines, artillery attacks and German air raids,” Baraban said.

Mullin was appointed Chevalier (Knight) of the Legion of Honor by decree of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Mullin was unable to attend the ceremony in person on Wednesday due to illness, but he is now doing well.

This award is a sign of France’s infinite gratitude and appreciation for Mullin.

He served 24 brave years in some of the bloodiest times for a soldier, particularly during the Battle of the Bulge.

The selection of potential winners is the responsibility of French ministers, who draw on a social network that includes mayors, employers and heads of non-profit organizations.

Valentina Barrera-Ibarra / Texas Public Radio

The admission requirements include proof of outstanding service to the nation in a military or civilian capacity. To qualify for the Legion of Honour, at least 20 years of service are required.

The Legion of Honor is France’s highest award and one of the most prestigious in the world. Previous recipients include former President Dwight D. Eisenhower and General Douglas MacArthur.

More than 350,000 African Americans served in World War II, even during segregation. 171 of these soldiers were awarded a medal of the French Legion of Honor, and Mullin increases that number to 172.

“This work began years ago,” said Baraban. “We were so happy that the decision was made to give Gerald Mullin this award.”

This ceremony was made possible with the help of Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert, but one of Mullin’s good friends, John Welch, got the proclamation started at a Golden Corral.

“A fine example of a man for children to emulate,” said Welch, a retired Marine.

At their dinners, veteran hats sit around guests and serve as icebreakers that develop into long-term friendships, which is how Welch eventually met Mullin.

Calvert attended Mullin’s 100th birthday party at the Golden Corral on Pat Booker Road. The commissioner had known Mullin for over 30 years, having grown up in the same neighborhood.

Although Mullin had seen it all in the 24 years he served his country, he kept his time in the military to himself and did not talk about it much. Calvert had no idea how much of an impact he had on the outcome of World War II.

“What I knew about Mr. Mullin was that he was the one who did the fish dinners at the VFW (Veteran of Foreign Wars) bases,” Calvert said. “What I knew about Mr. Mullin was that he was a trustee of his church, Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church.”

Calvert had received a special message from President Joe Biden and delivered it at the ceremony following his speech:

“Sergeant Mullin, you represent the finest members of our nation’s greatest generation. Through your service in World War II, you answered the call of freedom in the hour of need and stood against the forces of fascism. Your courage and heroism helped liberate a continent and kept the flame of democracy burning brightly around the world. As you celebrate this incredible achievement, know that our nation owes you a debt of gratitude. We can never fully repay.”

Brad Hale, a retired Air Force soldier, also met Mullin at the Golden Corral meetings. He learned the story behind Mullin’s cheerful smile and became emotional when speaking of him before the ceremony.

“He’s their hometown hero,” Hale said.

The gatherings at Golden Corral may be the reason Mullin received the award in the first place. This gathering place allowed strangers to chat over food. The servers are a big reason these veterans return to the restaurant. Some, like Mullin, eat there twice a day.

“The ladies at the Golden Corral call him Grandpa,” Hale said.

On his 100th birthday, Mullin was awarded a personalized plaque that stated he could eat at Pat Booker’s restaurant for free for the rest of his life.

Dr. Doris K. Williams met Mullin at Jacobs Chapel in 1983, and she said his meals at Golden Corral consist first of a salad, then chicken with potatoes, and finally a small portion of green beans.

“He loves working with the waiters. They look for him. And when he’s not there, they almost call him to ask where he is,” Williams said.

Mullin is one of the last surviving soldiers who served in World War II. This award recognizes his heroic contributions as well as his dedication to his community. He previously served as a leader in many organizations, including the Harvard Place/Eastlawn Neighborhood Association, the American Legion, and various veterans and civic organizations.