American Legion honors Oliver North with National PR Award

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Aug 26, 2014, 03:46 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's largest wartime veterans service organization honored Lt. Col. Oliver L. North, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), with its highest public relations award during its 96^th national convention here today.

Host of Fox News' "War Stories" and author of several books about military men and women at war, North was presented the National Commander's Public Relations Award for "raising public awareness about the honorable nature of military service and the sacrifices made by America's heroes."

The citation read, "As a career Marine Corps officer, you excelled as a platoon commander in Vietnam, where you earned a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with combat "V", two Purple Hearts, and a Combat Action Ribbon. As host of the documentary series "War Stories with Oliver North" you provided riveting reports of the actions, heroism and valor repeatedly demonstrated on the battlefield by those who have worn the uniform of the U.S. military. Your best-selling books have also contributed to honoring those who have served this nation. Your charitable efforts for the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund have reminded us of the need to support the families of those who have served."

North, a long time member of The American Legion, received the award from National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger in front of thousands of delegates at the Charlotte Convention Center.

Past recipients of The American Legion National Commander's Public Relations Award include the late Meet the Press host Tim Russert, entertainer Ben Stein, former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw, television commentator Lou Dobbs, and the GI Film Festival.

With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national defense, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 13,000 posts across the nation.

Media contacts: Joe March (Cellular) 317-748-1926 or Marty Callaghan (Cellular) 202-341-8900. Photo available on request. See Col. North's acceptance remarks at: http://www.legion.org/legiontv.

SOURCE The American Legion