By Associated Press, 3/19/03

EASTON, Pa. -- A World War II veteran says he's so angry with France that he plans to return the Normandy Medal given to him by the French government for his actions on D-Day.

"I don't want it," said George Wilson, 80. "I can't honor it anymore. To me, it's a joke."

Wilson said he is angry at the French government for opposing the position taken by the United States in the conflict against Iraq. He said American soldiers lying in cemeteries in France "turned over in their graves" when they heard about the French opposition.

"(French President Jacques) Chirac is old enough to remember what we did on his behalf against Hitler," Wilson said.

The Easton resident said he hopes other veterans also return their Normandy Medals, and said he wants to start a national movement through organizations like the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Wilson has enlisted the assistance of childhood friend and fellow World War II veteran Lou Reda, who produces war documentaries for the History Channel and is on the board of advisers for military.com.

Reda said he expects Wilson's action to resonate with other veterans.

"If changing the name of french fries to freedom fries is catching on, this will," Reda said. "This is a hell of a lot more important than french fries."