Senator Martins Inducts World War II Hero from Roslyn Heights Into Senate’s Veterans Hall of Fame

     Photo caption: Senator Martins (left) congratulates Dr. Lewis Licht (third left) on his induction into the New York State Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame.  They are joined by members of Dr. Licht’s family.

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) today inducted 92 year old World War II veteran Dr. Lewis Licht into the New York State Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame.  Dr. Licht, a Roslyn Heights resident, was named to the Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame by Senator Martins.   

     “Like so many of the ‘Greatest Generation,’ Lewis Licht answered the call to defend our country in World War II.  Time and time again, he bravely risked his life in the skies over the Pacific to defeat the forces of tyranny.  Dr. Licht is a true American hero whose courage, patriotism and service is something that deserves to be celebrated and admired.  Congratulations to him on earning this well deserved honor,” said Senator Martins. 
    
     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 US 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, Lewis 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. 

     Dr. 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.

     The Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes veterans from across the state for their extraordinary efforts in combat or for work performed after they were discharged from the service.  Dr. Licht’s biography and photo were displayed in the Legislative Office Building in Albany as part of a display honoring the 2016 inductees into the Senate’s Veterans’ Hall of Fame.