March 16--Leonard Goldstein, a decorated World War II veteran who earlier this month received the French Legion of Honor for his military service, died Monday morning, his daughter said. He was 100.
Mr. Goldstein, who was born in Chicago and raised his family in Skokie, served in the 4th Infantry Division during the war, also known as the Ivy Division or the Iron Horse. He stormed a Normandy beach during the D-Day invasion.
As a rifleman, his mission was providing cover for disembarking troops, according to French officials. He was wounded days later and received a Purple Heart.
Mr. Goldstein had several medical maladies in recent months, said his daughter, Janet Noble. He died at 2:40 a.m. at Alden Estates in Barrington.
At a ceremony March 7 at Alden Estates, the French consul general in Chicago, Vincent Floreani, thanked Mr. Goldstein and all American troops "who were ready to sacrifice their lives for France and Western Europe." Floreani then pinned the Legion of Honor on Mr. Goldstein's chest. The award is France's highest honor.
Mr. Goldstein seemed happy during the ceremony.
"For almost three hours, he looked like his old self," Noble said.
Upon learning of Mr. Goldstein's death, Floreani lauded him as "a hero" and "a man of remarkable bravery" who made tremendous sacrifices for France's freedom.
"As we said during the ceremony, every French person has a special place in his heart for Mr. Goldstein," Floreani said.
Mr. Goldstein was married to Sylvia Goldstein for more than 60 years. Noble said her parents met at work, where he declared: "I'm going to marry you."
The couple loved to dance together.
"That's what kept my mom and dad in such great shape," Noble said. "It was their way of bonding."
At the ceremony where he was awarded the Legion of Honor, Mr. Goldstein thanked everyone in the room: his family, longtime friends, the French consul, a reporter and members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3579 in Park Ridge. He said he was overwhelmed with joy by the honor.
"My dad left this earth with such gratitude for his friends and family for honoring him last Saturday," Noble said.
He was the second of three children and is survived by two daughters and three grandchildren. His wife preceded him in death. Memorial services are pending.
gpratt@tribpub.com
