Written by: Marvin Glassman, Sun Sentinel Jewish Journal

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-West Palm Beach) presented veteran Leonard Goldman of Boynton Beach four medals for his service in the United States Army in a ceremony that took place recently at his home.

The medals given to the 90-year-Goldman were: The World War II Victory Medal, given to those who served in the United States armed forces between December 1941 and December 1946; the Army of Occupation Medal, presented to those who performed occupation service in either Germany, Italy, Austria or Japan after World War II; the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, awarded to service who were discharged under honorable conditions and the Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, earned by soldiers who qualify with a rifle during training.

Goldman had originally received his medals when he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, but noticed that his medals were missing some time ago and has not found them since.

"He (Goldman) does not know or remember how the medals were missing, but we were interested in having the medals to pass on as a legacy to our sons," said Fran Goldman, his wife of 64 years.

"I'm proud to have the medals and was so surprised that Congresswoman Frankel made a personal visit to give me the medals," said Goldman.

"Leonard is very humble and private. Originally, the congresswoman was discussing having the ceremony in the clubhouse, but Leonard preferred to have the ceremony in our home," said Fran Goldman.

"You're never too late to recognize the service of somebody who risked his life to protect our nation and our freedom," said Frankel at the ceremony.

"To me, I was not a hero but am proud to have the medals. My two sons eventually will inherit them as a legacy," said Goldman.

Fran Goldman disagrees, calling her husband "deserving for what he achieved. He will always be a hero in our family."

"This is a very proud moment. I will never forget what happened today," said Leonard Goldman.

Frankel's office learned about the missing medals when Goldman called her office after he learned from another war veteran about a similar situation in which he also was missing his medals.

"I thought the medals were going to be mailed to me and I had no idea that a ceremony was being planned by the congresswoman," said Goldman.

"I felt like something I lost, I found."

"I don't remember if I ever saw them (the medals). I don't remember if the medals were on my uniform when I came out of the subway and walked to my house," said Goldman, referring to his trip home to the Brooklyn borough of New York City when he was discharged from the U.S. Army.

Goldman was drafted in the U.S. Army in 1946 at age 18. He served in the Army for 15 months and was deployed to Korea for six months.

Fran and Leonard Goldman met at a beach near Brooklyn where they both grew up.

"We knew we would marry. In December, we will celebrate our 65th wedding anniversary," said Fran Goldman.

Goldman became a wallpaper hanger and his son Larry, who resides in Wellington, is also a wallpaper hanger.

The Goldman identify as Reform Jews and Fran has been active with Hadassah for most of her life.

Since retiring to South Florida 19 years ago, Leonard has been active three days each week with a bowling league.

"Bowling has kept Leonard young and he loves to bowl and compete," said Fran Goldman.

Goldman is making sure that the medals he received from Frankel will not be missing.

"I definitely will put my medals in a very safe place. The ceremony was a nice surprise and very overwhelming to me," said Goldman.