The Legion of Honour is recognized as France’s highest order of merit, honoring both military and civil contributions. Established on May 19, 1802, by Napoleon Bonaparte, this prestigious award replaced the former Royal Family orders, which were abolished in 1791. The Legion is structured into five distinct classes: Grand Cross, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Knight, with recipients also joining the esteemed Order of Merit, akin to the British Commonwealth’s Knighthood.
Among the few global recipients of the Legion of Honour, three Fijian soldiers were awarded the Knight class, correlating to the British Victoria Cross. One notable recipient is the late Private (Pte) James Sukera from Wailailai, Ovalau, who was honored for his extraordinary bravery during a critical incident in Lebanon on August 12, 1986.
Pte Sukera joined the Fijian military in his twenties, forming deep friendships, including with Kulitapa Powell, who remembered him fondly after his passing in November 2024. The heroism occurred during a dramatic attempt to rescue three wounded French soldiers amidst chaos following the murder of local leaders. Armed groups besieged French positions, and an ambulance evacuating the soldiers came under attack.
During this perilous operation, Pte Sukera, alongside fellow soldiers Corporal (Cpl) Maciu Davobalavu and Pte Luke Vukivuki, displayed remarkable courage. Sukera rushed from his position to aid a wounded soldier while his comrades provided covering fire to fend off the attackers. Their collective bravery ultimately dismantled the threats, allowing for the rescue of the French casualties.
Pte Sukera was honored posthumously and laid to rest in December 2024. His legacy, along with that of Cpl Davobalavu and Pte Vukivuki, serves as a powerful testament to the valor and spirit of Fijian warriors. Their actions not only saved lives but also captured the essence of courage and dedication to service, earning them France’s highest accolade.
This remarkable story of heroism emphasizes the importance of bravery in times of conflict and highlights the sacrifices made by soldiers in the name of honor and duty. The recognition of such valor inspires future generations to uphold the values of courage and resilience in adversity.
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