The George Washington Honor Medal Awardee, Cornell Iliescu,
when being presented the award was described in these words:
Cornell Iliescu is a testament to the adage that there is no greater patriot than one who has been deprived of freedom. Cornell was born in Romania. He was a small boy when the Nazis invaded his homeland. His family members helped three American flyers, who had been shot down by the Germans, to escape. Cornell later suffered under communist rule in Romania. He came to the conclusion that there was no better way of life than a free way of life, and in 1974 he emigrated to the United States.
Because of his love of the United States he began to actively promote his patriotism. He has tirelessly supported veterans' causes: producing programs at various VA hospitals, giving military displays and speeches, advocating for veterans, participating in VJ Day parade reenactments at community parades, and assisting and organizing VA BBQs throughout the year. He also routinely visits many WWII veterans in senior citizens homes and hospitals thanking them for their contributions and sacrifices for our country.
Most recently he has founded an organization called The Noble Cause Foundation, a non-profit group whose purpose is to preserve and protect the legacy of the greatest generation.
He is currently in the planning stages of building a Noble Cause Foundation to the 3,000 Americans killed in the Ploesti, Romania bombing raids between 1942 and 1945.
FREEDOMS FOUNDATION AT VALLEY FORGE
Freedoms Foundation is a national patriotic institution devoted exclusively to fostering among the American people an understanding of, and a commitment to, the freedoms enjoyed by our citizenry.
Freedoms Foundation has, since its founding in 1949, worked to prevent erosion of the ideals and principles upon which our country was founded. The Foundation presents prestigious Freedoms Foundation awards to those Americans who, through word or deed, help maintain the principles of our nation.