To be eligible, a veteran must have served in French territory, in French territorial waters, or in French airspace between June 6, 1944, and May 8, 1945. The certificate will not be issued posthumously.

     Presentation of certificates is expected to begin later this year. Ten consuls of France in the United States will work with state veterans' affairs offices, veterans' service organizations, and other veterans groups to identify eligible people. During the mid-1990s the French government recognized American veterans who served in France during World War I.

     Application forms will be available from veterans' service organizations and on a French Internet site: http://www/info-france-usa.org/news/statmnts/ww2/index.htm.