Four South Australians have been awarded France's highest military honour, appointed Knights of the Legion of Honour during a ceremony in Adelaide for their roles during World War II and the liberation of France.

Warrant Officer Kevin Dennis, Flight Lieutenant Thomas Goode and Flying Officers Howard Hendrick and Peter Dickson all served in campaigns throughout Europe.

The veterans enlisted in Adelaide for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) between 1941 and 1942.

Mr Hendrick flew 31 missions over Europe as a pilot of a Lancaster bomber in the Royal Air Force's (RAF) Squadron Bomber Command — one of the most dangerous assignments during the war.

Bomber Command represented just 2 per cent of men who enlisted, but nearly 20 per cent of all deaths in combat.

No time for doubt or fear, veteran says

Speaking after accepting his decoration, Mr Hendrick reflected on his time in the cockpit, saying there was rarely room for any doubt or fear.

"Whether you were in a submarine or flying over head … it was a job all servicemen have been really well trained for," he said.

"You accepted it without thinking too much about it

"You got a lot of concentration to do to get the aircraft in the air … to get there and try and avoid being shot down of course.

"You haven't got time to think about yourself."

On board Flight Lieutenant Thomas Goode's Sunderland Flying Boat, the mood among pilot and crew was the same.

"As a young man, it was an adventure. Fear didn't come into it," Dr Goode said.

"We were all keen to do our part in the war, many of them, unfortunately, gave their lives, but they were still very worthy friends."

Veterans pays tribute to fallen servicemen

Dr Goode joined the RAAF in 1941, serving in the 10 Squadron and 461 Squadron.

He carried out 68 operational sorties over Europe.

"I feel very honoured and I accept it as an award to many worthy and unrecognised participants in the war, not just me, and I pay tribute to them," he said.

Kevin Dennis also paid tribute to fallen servicemen and women.

He served in 462 Squadron RAF as a wireless operator and air gunner, carrying out many bombing missions over Europe.

He never thought those efforts would lead to an accolade such as the Legion of Honour.

"No. Never, but anyway, it's very good to be recognised," he said.

"But I'd like to think all the others that didn't get back, that they'd be recognised too."