The Legion of Honour, the highest French accolade for military and civil contributions, was established on May 19, 1802, by Napoleon Bonaparte. This prestigious order was created to acknowledge acts of courage and honor, replacing previous royal orders that had been abolished. Recipients of the Legion of Honour are inducted into the Order of Merit, akin to the British Commonwealth’s knighthood.

The order is categorized into five ranks: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight. Notably, the Knight class is awarded to distinguished individuals, including three valiant Fijian soldiers who were honored with this recognition, paralleling the significance of the British Commonwealth’s Victoria Cross.

One remarkable recipient, the late Private James Sukera from Wailailai, Ovalau, displayed exceptional bravery on August 12, 1986. During a tense situation in Lebanon, an ambulance carrying severely injured French soldiers was ambushed. As armed elements aimed to capture the casualties, Pte Sukera and his fellow soldiers, Corporal Maciu Davobalavu and Private Luke Vukivuki, acted decisively to rescue the wounded. Their courageous actions, which included Pte Sukera carrying one soldier to safety while Cpl Davobalavu provided cover fire, ultimately thwarted the assailants’ intentions.

Pte Sukera was honored posthumously for his heroism, and despite his passing on November 28, 2024, his legacy lives on in Levuka, where friends and family remember him fondly. His contributions, alongside his fellow soldiers, personify the indomitable spirit of Fijian warriors who risked their lives in defense of others, earning them France’s highest honor.

In reflecting on this courageous story, it serves as a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice displayed by individuals across the globe, especially in times of conflict. Their selflessness inspires hope and unity, as we recognize the impact of their actions on lives and communities.