DAWSONVILLE — An area World War II veteran and professional baseball photographer died Tuesday at age 97.

Walter John Victor of Dawsonville died following a short hospitalization, according to his obituary.

Victor was known around Dawsonville for his service in the U.S. Army during World War II, having landed with the second wave on Utah Beach at Normandy, France, as well as having helped secure and liberate Dachau Concentration Camp near Dachau, Germany in 1945.

Due to his actions during the war, Victor was the recipient of the French Legion of Honor medal, as well as several Purple Heart medals, which he would proudly to show to anyone that would ask.

Victor was also known as the official photographer for the Atlanta Braves, a role he held for 40 years. Twelve of his pictures are housed in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

He was a member of the Etowah Masonic Lodge, where he was a Master Mason and received a 65 year apron. He also was an avid fisherman.

Victor is survived by his wife of 72 years, Ruth, sons Tony and Tommy Victor, daughter Ann Johnston of Forsyth County, brother Frank Victor, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Agnes Victor and son Johnny Victor.

Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Friday in the chapel of McDonald and Son Funeral Home in Cumming.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday.

Interment will follow at a later date at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.