99-year-old WWII hero from Queens set to receive France’s highest honor

American soldiers approach the shores of Normandy, France on D-Day. Photo via DVIDSHUB/Wikimedia Commons

By David Brand

A 99-year-old Queens hero who flew over Normandy on D-Day, fought in the Battle of the Bulge and shuttled supplies to the front lines across Europe during World War II will receive the French government’s highest honor at a ceremony Thursday in Flushing.

Irving Goldstein, a veteran of the 439th Troop Carrier Group, will be inducted into France’s Legion of Honor, the highest distinction that France confers on French citizens, as well as a handful of foreigners. Other American recipients of the honor include Thomas Edison and President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

 French Consul General Mr. Jérémie Robert will present the medal designating Goldstein as a   “Chevalier dans l’Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur” — a knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor.

Goldstein was born in Paterson, New Jersey in 1920 and now lives in Fresh Meadows.

After his three years in the Army, he returned home in September 1945 and started a laundry equipment company. He worked nearly everyday until he retired at age 70. 

“This prestigious distinction is an expression of the deep gratitude that the French people have for the Americans who contributed to the liberation of France in World War II,” a spokesperson for the French Consul General said in a statement. “We will never forget the bravery of American heroes such as Mr. Irving Goldstein who will receive this decoration.”