(AP) — As a lifelong resident of Shinnston, John Belcastro has served his community in various ways, whether working in the local coal mines or serving in American Legion Post 31 and VFW Post 573. [...] Belcastro's service extends far beyond the local community, having served his country in the 10th Armored Division, 90th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron, during World War II, for which he was named a "Chevalier" of the Legion of Honor by the French government. Belcastro and his fellow servicemen helped liberate France during World War II, landing in Cherbourg in September 1944. Traveling through towns in France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany and Austria, the 10th Armored Division played a key role in Allied victory, Belcastro said. Belcastro and the 10th Armored Division were in Bavaria when the war ended May 8, 1945, and a week later, Belcastro and the other soldiers were instructed to load up the guns for a secret mission. The Enterprise landed at Staten Island, and Belcastro was then discharged from Fort George Meade in Maryland before returning home to his wife Sylvia. John Belcastro has a long list of honors, beginning with he and his brother Jimmy as the first set of twins born in Shinnston in 1922, to being awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, President Unit Citation and the French Fourragère.