NEW ORLEANS (press release) – On Feb. 27 at The National WWII Museum, Ambassador of France to the United States Laurent Bili, on behalf of the President of France, will bestow WWII veteran Samuel Meyer of New Orleans with the rank of Chevalier (Knight) of the National Order of the Legion of Honor. The Legion of Honor is the highest military and civil decoration awarded in France.
Meyer is well-known in the community as the proprietor of Meyer The Hatter, a New Orleans institution where five generations of Meyers have sold hats since 1894. Meyer, who will celebrate his 100th birthday in August, still works three days a week at the cherished hat store on St. Charles Avenue.
Meyer was drafted into service at 18 years old. Boarding the train in New Orleans on St. Patrick’s Day 1943, he departed for training that took him to Florida, Massachusetts and Colorado. Corporal Meyer served in the 485th Fighter Squadron, 370th Fighter Group, Ninth Air Force. His service in the US Army Air Forces stationed him across the European theater for missions in countries including Britain, Belgium, France, and Germany. When the war ended, he was discharged from service and returned home to New Orleans, where he started working for the family business.
The Legion of Honor, created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, acknowledges services rendered to France by persons and institutions of exceptional merit. It is the highest distinction awarded by the French government. In homage to their sacrifice and courage, American veterans who served in the liberation of France during World War II qualify to receive a distinction of the Legion of Honor; such American recipients include Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur.
WHEN: Feb. 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
