Former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger to be knighted by French Republic

Former San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger will be awarded with one of the French Republic's top honors: the Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite.

Hardberger will be presented with the award Monday night during a ceremony at the Coates Chapel at the Southwest School of Art.

The Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite was established under President Charles de Gaulle in the 1960s. It honors significant individuals within the French-American community for foreign and domestic service that enhances French awareness, culture, and relations with other countries.

The class of chevalier (knight) is awarded to those who have shown at least 10 years of exemplary service on behalf of French society, culture and heritage.