KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Benjamin Franklin is a Knoxville native who fought in World War II, and like his famous namesake, many consider him a national treasure.

WVLT Volunteer TV News joined the crowd at the City-County build on Tuesday night as the Knoxville City Council recognized Franklin for his service and sacrifice to the United States.

Applause erupted as Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam honored Command Sergeant Major Benjamin Franklin, who was one of the many soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy, France on D-Day.

"I will never forget that day,” Franklin said. “It was a very bad day. Half of my regiment is buried in Normandy."

"I got blown out of his Higgins boat and managed to get to shore without getting shot to pieces,” said Fred Brown, Franklin’s good friend who joined him at the City-County building. “He picked up a machine gun from there on and went to work on the enemy’s beach defenses."

Brown also accompanied Franklin to Paris when the East Tennessean was awarded France’s highest decoration, the French Legion of Honor. He is believed to be the first Tennessean to win the award since World War I hero Sgt. Alvin York.

“Ben met with President Obama, President Sarkozy (France), Gordon Brown (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Prince Charles (heir apparent to the British throne),” said Brown.

City Councilwoman Marilyn Roddy thought it fitting to honor Franklin in his hometown, so she organized the special ceremony.

Franklin himself was honored by the ceremony, but still thinks of his sacrifice as nothing more than his duty to the nation.

"There are so many people that call and compliment me,” he said, “but really I'm just a simple soldier, that is it."