Honor for World War II Vet

Maurice Meyers, MD,’60

UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School

Sixty years after serving in the U.S. Army in France, Maurice Meyers was one of 19 World War II veterans to be appointed a chevalier (French for knight) of the Legion of Honor by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The ceremony was held on November 11, Veterans Day, at the Lycée Français in New York City.

While the award is generally reserved for French nationals, it is sometimes given to foreigners. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, General David Petraeus, Julia Childs, and Miles Davis are among the other Americans given this honor. The letter Meyers received says: “This prestigious distinction underlines the deep appreciation and gratitude for your contribution to the liberation of our country during World War II. We will never forget the commitment of American heroes like you to whom France owes so much.” He also earned the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart from the U.S. Army.

This is a red banner year for Meyers: His first book, entitled Reflections on My War, was recently published by Bluewood Publishing Ltd. Meyers, who lives in Watchung with his wife of 61 years, Ruth, earned his MD from NJMS in 1960 and worked for 40 years as an attending physician at Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center in Plainfield. He has two children and a grandson.