One of Britain's last surviving D-Day veterans, Don Butt of Shepton Mallet, is in a race against time to receive a medal recognising his role in the historic invasion.

Don, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, served in the Royal Marines and was among the first wave of landing crews at Juno Beach on 6 June 1944. Despite being just 18, and told he was "too young" to fully disembark, he entered the water under heavy fire, holding ropes to help troops get ashore.

For decades, Don believed he was ineligible for the French Légion d'honneur due to his age. It was only after sharing his story with a fellow marine that efforts began to secure the medal. An initial application last year was rejected without explanation. A second application, submitted this summer, is still under review.

Now living in a care home in Shepton Mallet, Don described the medal as his "final wish" and said: "It would make my pack complete. I don't have any money but I don't want any. I am a happy man. I never tried before. But I would love to have it."

His daughter Karen Cetin, from Cheddar, said: "It is very important to him – and to us – that he gets recognised before it is too late. The process is slow and full of bureaucracy. But we are in a race against time."

Don, who spent most of his life working in the quarry industry and raised a large family in Worle with his late wife Margurite, only began opening up about his wartime experiences recently. His memories of D-Day remain vivid: the chaos, the noise, the fear, and the courage of those around him.

Royal Marines Historical Society representative John Rawlinson said: "Don is very inspirational and understates how much his flotilla did. The process is the problem, not the service. We are hopeful the new application will be successful."

An MOD spokesperson said it would be inappropriate to comment on foreign honours but added: "We owe a lasting debt of gratitude to those who served in the Second World War. Their courage and sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy today."

The French government has been contacted for comment.

(SWNS)