France honors Sarasota legend

At 106 years old, Palm Aire’s Gus Andreone has quite the list of achievements.

For example, he has recorded eight holes-in-one, including one at age 103, making him the oldest person on record to have an ace on a regulation golf course.

He is the longest-serving and oldest member of the PGA of America.

And, in 1983, he won the Pennsylvania State Lottery and receives $1,000 a week for life.

But on Oct. 24, he earned recognition for one of his lesser-known accomplishments — fighting on foreign soil in World War II.

France presented Andreone and WWII veteran Harold Stephens, of Ocala, with its highest distinction — the Order of the Legion of Honor medal, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte to commend civilians and soldiers based on merit.

At a ceremony at the Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, Clement Leclerc, consul general of France in Miami, said the honor was a way to thank veterans for their contributions to France and for the liberation of its citizens.

“That, to me, was a top-of-the-list thing that happens to a human in his lifetime,” Andreone said from his home after the ceremony. “When you get the Legion of Honor, it’s not something that happens every day. It was overwhelming.”

In Sarasota, Andreone is known for his golfing skills and teaching abilities as well as his encouraging spirit, his gentle disposition and his energy level that rivals that of friends 30 years younger. But even his family members knew little about his military service until he began recounting the stories five years ago, according to his niece, Teresa Andreone.

A Bronze Star recipient, Andreone led 16 men as a staff sergeant, serving in the 10th Armored Division, 3rd Army under Gen. George Patton.

He remembers soldiers sleeping head-to-toe in the barracks to avoid spreading illness. He remembers the poverty of the French people as he served in their homeland.

He remembers losing friends in battle.

“Memories stay with you,” Andreone said. “It’s what (veterans) all have in common. It’s something that everyone goes into and some don’t come out as well. I was fortunate.”

About a dozen friends from Palm Aire attended the ceremony, as did his wife, Betty, and family members who traveled from out of state for the celebration.

“He’s beloved at the country club,” said Palm Aire’s Sandy Plette, who attended with her husband, Andre Plette. “His service in WWII wasn’t in the forefront. You see more of the total person.”

Andreone’s nephew Bob Valentino, who flew in from California, agreed his uncle is the “family jewel.”

“We’re so proud of him,” Valentino said. “I’ve seen him be honored so many times for so many things. I just said to Aunt Betty, ‘What’s next?’”