William "Bill" Gosch joined the Marine Corps as soon as he turned 18. He went on to serve four combat missions during World War II, where he was awarded eight service medals. Eighty years later, he still hadn't received them.

That is, until his birthday party last week.

Gosch celebrated his 100th at the Knights of Columbus in his hometown of North Tonawanda, NY, where he was presented with the medals he earned as a young man.

After returning from the war, Gosch was awarded a football scholarship at Niagara University, graduating in 1950. The month he received his degree, he married his bride, Lois. The couple went on to have four children and were married for 72 years before his wife passed away in 2022.

Gosch said of his long life,

All I do is try to be a good guy. Treat others like you would have them treat you. That's kind of be straight, level, honest. Don't smoke. Quit drinking. Never drank much, never smoked much.

The veteran was also presented with an American flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in a traditional flag ceremony by The Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle group.

Here's the local news story:

Happy Birthday and thank you for your service!

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