James D. Rosener receives the award of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor from Guy Wildenstein, commandeur of the French Legion of Honor and President of the American Society of the French Legion of Honor. Photo © Anne Vandycke
James D. Rosener Awarded Chevalier in French Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction
Award recognizes Jim Rosener for his extraordinary service to Franco-American relations
At a time when relations between the U.S. and France are a bit strained, it’s encouraging to see how individuals of different nations work together for a common good.
Such is the work and recognition of James D. Rosener, who was presented with the Insignia of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor. The award was given by Guy Wildenstein, Commandeur of the American Society of the French Legion of Honor, on Thursday, April 10 at the Consulate General of France in New York City. The ceremony was conducted on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron.
During his 40-year relationship with the people of France, Mr. Rosener has worked with numerous French businesses, associations, and individuals in both professional and personal capacities. He describes the interactions in one word: “friendship.”
A senior partner with Troutman Pepper Locke, Mr. Rosener is known for his advocacy for expanding cross-border economic ties, particularly through international transactions and corporate finance. He has held leadership roles on Boards of Directors of both American and French entities, including the first international joint venture involving a French state-owned utility and a U.S. public company. He also served as president of the Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Commission of the International Association of Lawyers, and founded the European-American Chamber of Commerce.
His appreciation for French culture led him to serve as a director of the Institute of French Culture at the University of Pennsylvania. His charitable service includes board roles with HeadStart, the Foundation for Teaching Economics, U.S. Tennis Association, Arthur Ashe Foundation, and others.
As a trustee of the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Foundation, Mr. Rosener commemorated the bravery of American volunteer aviators who flew with the French Air Service a year before America entered WWI. This experience later inspired him to found the American Battle Monuments Foundation (ABMF), honoring nearly 234,000 American service members buried or memorialized at ABMC cemeteries and memorials worldwide—including 67,585 in France alone.
Reflecting on his award, Rosener said, “It is a great honor to be recognized for having had the privilege of an exciting, fascinating and memorable Franco-American experience.”
One of his favorite memories is challenging the 12-year-old daughter of a French colleague to learn each other’s language. Today, she is a doctor fluent in English—and Mr. Rosener is fluent in French.
The Legion of Honor (Légion d’honneur) is France’s highest distinction, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. It rewards both French citizens and foreigners for extraordinary contributions to the French Republic, encompassing military, cultural, or civic achievements.
As Chevalier, Mr. Rosener joins a distinguished list of Americans who have received the honor—including Alexander Graham Bell, Helen Keller, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Steven Spielberg, and Elie Wiesel.
