In commemoration of Military Appreciation Month, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Veterans Service Agency Director Ron Tocci and Senior Veterans Service Officer Dan Griffin honored World War II veteran Hilda Lacoff with the Westchester County Distinguished Service Award – the highest honor the county executive can bestow upon a Westchester resident.
“Hilda is a special person from a special generation,” said Latimer. “She is a living testament to the sacrifices made while we were at war to ensure our freedoms. It was truly my honor to have the opportunity to meet with her, her family and to thank her for service on behalf of the nearly 1 million residents of Westchester County.”
Lacoff, who is 98, served in the Women’s Army Corps from May 1944 to December 1945, where she worked as a stenographer stationed at the Pentagon. During the county executive’s visit, Lacoff told stories of the then-classified information she worked with and her dedication to our country’s war efforts.
“It is so important we take the time to recognize veterans like Hilda while we still have them here with us,” said Tocci. “Hilda, and so many others like her, served our nation with honor and she deserves all of the gratitude we can give her. It was a wonderful experience to be able to share this moment with the county executive, my office and the Lacoff family.”
Lacoff had previously been awarded the American Service Medal, World War Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Upon her discharge from WAC, she earned the rank of sergeant.
