Spotlight: Medal of Honor Exhibit

The Medal of Honor exhibit rests above The Laborde Services Gallery in the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center.

The Medal of Honor exhibit in the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, a key interactive attraction of The National WWII Museum, was made possible through a generous gift from The Goldring Family Foundation and The Woldenberg Foundation. This exhibit features 464 Medal of Honor recipients who hold our nation’s highest honor and esteem. The exhibit gives visitors the opportunity to see the faces of these brave men, read about their actions and conduct a search for recipients by state, service branch or theater of operation.

Donor Spotlight: Goldring Family Foundation and The Woldenberg Foundation

Bill Goldring

The Goldring Family Foundation and The Woldenberg Foundation have been loyal supporters for many years, contributing to the Museum since its inception. William “Bill” Goldring, an important New Orleans civic figure and longtime Chairman of the two foundations, feels particularly close to this philanthropic effort. He currently serves on the Museum’s Board of Trustees.

Goldring is a New Orleans native who earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Tulane University. In 1972, Goldring became Chief Operating Officer of Magnolia Liquor, founded by his father and Malcolm Woldenberg. After selling what later became the Republic National Distributing Company in 2010, Goldring devoted his attention to the Sazerac and Crescent Crown Companies, as well as his humanitarian ventures.

Goldring strongly believes in strengthening major developments in New Orleans, and was instrumental in the reopening of the Museum after Hurricane Katrina damaged the institution and temporarily paralyzed the local tourism market. Goldring states that his “feelings from the very beginning were that The National WWII Museum would be one of New Orleans’ greatest assets,” and he was reassured after meeting with Founder Stephen Ambrose and Museum President Gordon H. “Nick” Mueller. Goldring fondly recalls having the opportunity to sit with Ambrose and listen to his anecdotes from WWII history, learning more about what made the victorious war effort so important in American culture.  “That was more chilling than sitting in a room with anyone (else) I can think of,” he said.

Goldring cites the Museum’s vital role as an economic engine for the city, and feels particularly strong about supporting institutions offering unique educational opportunities. He believes the Museum provides a “phenomenal educational experience” for visitors of all ages.

The Goldring Family Foundation and The Woldenberg Foundation were drawn to naming the Medal of Honor exhibit due to Mr. Goldring’s belief that those who represent our country in a time of war should be celebrated. The exhibit provides search tools that allow visitors to quickly find details on the war service of any WWII recipient of the medal. Individuals who go beyond the call of duty should be “singled out” and the heroes displayed in the Medal of Honor exhibit are “exemplary models for our nation to behold,” Goldring said. He is humbled to be a part of the creation of an exhibit where these armed service members and their sacrifices can be remembered.

We are extremely grateful for the leadership of Bill Goldring and the support of The Goldring Family Foundation and The Woldenberg Foundation for preserving the stories of this extraordinary group of Americans, for the benefit of many generations to come.