The Legion presented the Vietnam veteran with this red-ribboned medal as an insignia of his rank as Knight in the prestigious order.

But while many medal wearers earned their silverware on the battlefield, Mr Rowe was awarded for his work long after the last shot was fired.

“It’s in recognition of the service to the French veterans,” Mr Rowe said.

“I worked to have them involved in the Anzac Day marches and particularly Remembrance Day.

“I was president of the NSW Returned and Services League for 11 years  … when I started French veterans were not properly recognised I worked to change that.

“It’s important we recognise our allies.

“We involve New Zealand, America an Britain, but we didn’t have anything much for the French.

“They were strong allies.”

Mr Rowe travelled to Sydney last month to be receive the honour from French Consul-General Eric Berti.

The Invergowrie resident has seen his time in battle and says it’s important to remember all who contributed to the war effort.

“The French nationals have done a lot for us,” he said.

“The civilians looked after us in the war.

“It’s really important for us to keep the relationship strong with the French.”

While applauding the pubic interest in Australian soldiers’ involvement in the Gallipoli campaign during World War I, he would like to see other military ventures remembered.

“I find that a lot of people want to go to Gallipoli, particularly for the centenary, but I encouraged people to also go to the Western Front in France and Belgium,” Mr Rowe said.

“A lot more Australians died there.”

Mr Rowe made sure French veterans march on Anzac Day, and encouraged a French Remembrance Day service in Sydney’s Martin Place.

He said he kept the medal in a secure spot, but would be sure to break it out for the Remembrance Day march in November.          

“It it is such an honour,” he said.