Highland Park WWII Vet Receives Medals 70 Years After Service

Retired Highland Park dermatologist Irving Distelheim served in World War II, ending with a promotion to commanding officer of a medical detachment and caring for 80,000 German prisoners of war.

He earned several medals for his service, but forgot about them over time. He was recently reminded of them and Thursday, Sen. Dick Durbin presented him with the medals in front of family and friends, including his wife of 62 years.

You can watch Durbin's presentation in this YouTube video, which is also posted at the top of the story.

Durbin discussed both Distelheim's service and his life before and after the war.

In his job treating Germans, Durbin said, "he cared for them because that was his calling, that was his profession."

Distelheim earned his medical degree in Chicago, paying his way by selling shoes and teaching chemistry, Durbin said. He enrolled in the army in 1943, heading to Europe.

"He decided that the most important responsibility he had was to serve his country," Durbin said.

He returned home and set up his medical practice in Lincolnwood, raising three daughters, two of whom were at the ceremony where Distelheim received two campaign medals, a bronze service star, the WWII victory medal, and the army of occupation medal. 

"His life has really been an embodiment of that great american spirit," Durbin said, in presenting the overdue honors.

Keep up with all the news of Highland Park. Sign up for our free newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.