Lewis Licht

Like so many of the “Greatest Generation,” Marine Corps Corporal Lewis Licht is a hometown hero who answered the call to serve our country against the forces of tyranny in World War II.
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Corporal Licht was born and raised in New York City and graduated from the prestigious Bronx High School of Science. He joined the Marine Corps in February 1943 and was assigned to the VMB-611 squadron, one of seven Marine Corps squadrons flying B-25 bombing missions in the Pacific Theatre. He flew 27 combat sorties as a radio-gunner, providing air support to Allied ground troops fighting the Japanese forces in the Philippines, including the Eighth United States Army’s invasion against enemy bases at Mindanao and Borneo.

For his brave and devoted service, Corporal Licht earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three gold service stars, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, the Philippine Liberation Medal with one bronze service star, the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross with four silver devices, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Star.

After his military discharge, Corporal Licht went to college, receiving his bachelor’s degree Phi Beta Kappa from New York University and his doctorate from New York University Dental School. He had a successful dental practice in Flushing, Queens, for 60 years before retiring three years ago at the age of 89.

Corporal Licht has resided in Roslyn Heights since 1956 and is a member of American Legion Post 144 in Williston Park. He and his wife Barbara were married for 51 years and raised two daughters, Lisbeth and Carolyn. He is also the proud grandfather of two granddaughters, Lindsay and Chelsea.