World War II veteran turns 105 in Palm Bay

Health First honors retired Army Col. Donald Paul

Retired Army Col. Donald Paul, courtesy of Health First (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

PALM BAY, Fla. – A World War II veteran’s 105th birthday was celebrated Thursday at a hospice house in Palm Bay.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Donald Paul served in the military for 30 years, seeing action in the second World War, including the seizure and defense of the Moselle River Bridgehead at Thionville, France, and the capture of Metz near the German border, according to his boarders at Health First.

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Paul would stay with the service going into the Korean War, fighting alongside the 3rd Infantry Division, Health First said.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Donald Paul, courtesy of Health First. (Health First)

In honor of his life and service, Hospice of Health First presented the retired colonel with a birthday party and held a “Forever a Hero” pinning ceremony for him, part of a program offered to veterans at Health First and funded by the Health First Foundation.

As we gathered to celebrate Colonel Paul’s milestone birthday, we also recognized the significance of his generation. Their stories and sacrifices become more precious with each passing day.

Celebrating a Century and More: Hospice Patient and WWII Veteran Turns 105, Honored with Forever a Hero Ceremony | Health First (excerpt)

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