Forest Hills Intersection Renamed in Honor of American Legion Commander

Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz, D-Forest Hills, state Senator Toby Savisky, D-Whitestone, former state Senator Serphin Maltese and Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, D-Forest Hills, joined Winberry’s family in a street-naming ceremony on June 9.

“If there was one person that defined public service, Tom Winberry would be it,” Koslowitz said at the ceremony. “As an activist, veteran, and decorated officer, Tom was a staple figure in the community known for selflessly going over and beyond for many of the community’s civic association and events, such as the Memorial Day Parade and Annual Turkey Giveaway.”

Winberry enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 19 and served in the Korean War. After coming home, he joined the American Legion, eventually becoming commander of the Forest Hills American Legion Continental Post 1424. He served as commander for seven years until becoming Queens County Commander.

Winberry later became a mounted officer for the NYPD, where he was awarded the NYPD Medal of Honor for rescuing a drowning swimmer in the East River. This was only one of 15 times that he was cited for acts of courage in the force. Winberry was also an advocate of veterans’ rights and worked to preserve the St. Albans Veterans complex, a healthcare facility for veterans and their families.