A WAR veteran from Hampshire who braved his life to stop Hitler has been given a prestigious award.

Ronald Cross MBE was presented with the highest French honour, the Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Legion d'Honneur, for his part in the liberation of France on D-Day.

The 96-year-old was part of the 79th Armoured Division when he landed in Normandy in June 1944 aged 24.

Ron, from Gosport, was in an AVRE (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers) Churchill tank and their job was to make sure that gaps could be made for tanks to come ashore and support the infantry.

He went on to complete three landings in Holland later in the war before he was discharged as a corporal in 1946 when he returned to Gosport to work at Haslar Hospital as an occupational therapist for 37 years.

Daily Echo:

Ron Cross took part in the Normandy landings aged 24

The medal was presented to Ron by French Consul Captain Francois Jean at a special ceremony.

Ron said: “I’m very proud to have received this medal and hugely grateful to Blind Veterans UK for arranging the presentation. It’s a great honour that we’re still remembered by the French government.

“This medal is not just for me, but for all the chaps who didn’t make it back.”

The honour follows an MBE he received for his work developing Haslar Hospital's occupational therapy department.

In later life Ron's vision has deteriorated and he has been supported by charity Blind Veterans UK for the last four years.