The 99-year-old New Orleans businessman, best known in the city as the owner of his family’s landmark hat store on St. Charles Street, was honored Tuesday by the French president for his military service during World War II. Awarded.
Samuel Meyer, who still works several days a week at Meyer the Hatter, a business his grandfather started in 1894, was awarded the rank of Chevalier, or Knight, of the National Legion of Honour.
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“Receiving this award from the French government is a testament to the bond that exists between our two countries,” Meyer said during a ceremony at the National World War II Museum, a few blocks from his family’s business. “The bond between our two countries is unbreakable, and I am honored to have played a small part in strengthening that bond.”
Samuel Meyer, a 99-year-old hat salesman and World War II veteran, is pictured after a ceremony at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on February 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Kevin McGill)
Drafted at age 18, Meyer was a corporal in the 485th Fighter Squadron, 370th Fighter Group, 9th Air Force. He was stationed at various times in the UK, Belgium, France and Germany. He served as an armored soldier and was tasked with loading bombs and ammunition onto P-38 fighter jets. “He had to load the gun,” he explained after the ceremony.
According to the French Consulate General in New Orleans, the National Légion d’Honneur was created by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802, and membership in it is considered France’s highest honor.
The award was presented on behalf of the French President by French Ambassador Laurent Billi in the presence of Meyer’s wife of 64 years, Marcel, along with friends, family and museum visitors.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Billi stressed that this award must be won.
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“We don’t award people because of their place of origin or birth rights, we award people because of their merit rights,” Billi said.
