The D-Day landings helped free Europe from the Nazi grip and lifted the shadow over a country that had fought the occupation for years.
The personal sacrifice of soldiers who survived has now been recognised by the country they liberated.
Nine British Second World War veterans were awarded with the insignia of Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur, France’s highest accolade, at a ceremony on board French Navy Destroyer Aquitaine at Leith, Edinburgh, for their role in freeing France.
The old soldiers each had a remarkable and shocking tale to tell.
Gecas died in an Edinburgh hospital in September 2001, aged 85, before he could be tried for alleged war crimes.
Mr Maguire only just survived as a fellow soldier was killed.
He said: “He was blown to pieces and I was blown out of the trench and took shrapnel to the back of my neck and shoulders.”
He said that the "honour came out of the blue," adding: “I thought when I was demobbed in 1945 that would be the end of it, but, 70 years on, here we are."
Emmanuel Cocher, Consul General of France in Edinburgh and Glasgow, said his country owed a debt to the Scottish soldiers who gave everything, many of whom are no longer here.
He said the presentation was an honour.
He said: "France will never forget the gallantry and bravery they showed in taking part in the Liberation of France 70 years ago.
"The actions and sacrifice of these men, and that of so many who fell on the battlefield, was instrumental in bringing back freedom and peace in France and across Europe."
Among the heroes is Walter Sharp, who is 101 was a corporal in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and landed in France June 9, 1944, carrying on through France, Belgium, and Holland.
Thomas Cave, 91, of Drumnadrochit, a lance bombardier Royal Artillery landed on June 6 at Bernières-sur-mer with the 3rd Canadian Division and fought throughout the summer in France before going on to fight in Belgium.
Edinburgh-based Cyril Deas, 93, leading stoker in the Royal Navy, served on the battleship HMS Ramillies on D-Day, providing fire support in the area of Sword Beach.
Royal Artillery gunner and dispatch rider Anthony Delahoy, 92, also from Edinburgh undertook vital communication and reconnaissance operations between HQ and Anti-Tank Guns engaging Panzers. He saw action throughout Normandy during the campaign and was involved through the Caen Sector, including numerous battles including the Battle for Le Havre.
Alexander Govan, 99, of Bonnybridge, a Lieutenant in the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders and an officer leading troops on D-Day, fought at Caen and led the attack on St Valery-En Caux and also took part in the capture of Le Havre.
John Greig, 90, of Edinburgh, was a Royal Navy telegraphist and landed on Sword Beach on when he was wounded by a bullet and suffered shrapnel wounds.
William Pritchard, 94, from Falkirk was a chief petty officer. in the Royal Navy.
On the night before the invasion he delivered sealed orders to all allied craft anchored in White Regis and Weymouth Bay.
Aidan Sprot, 96, of Peebles was a captain in the Royal Scots Greys who crossed to Normandy on June 9, 1944, and saw continuous action around Caen and Falaise till August.
He then pushed to the river Somme and finally to the Belgium Frontier on September 5.
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