Tuesday, August 28, 2012
MEDINA, Ohio (AP) — A 92-year-old Ohio man who dropped out of high school before serving in World War II finally got his diploma.
The Elyria Chronicle Telegram reports that Raymond Smith’s family and friends gathered last weekend at his northern Ohio assisted-living home to celebrate his birthday.
And Army Lt. Col. Roy Jenkins, head of Elyria High School’s Junior ROTC program, was there to present him with a diploma.
Ohio law allows veterans who dropped out of high school and then served in World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War to receive their diplomas.
Smith dropped out of high school after his freshman year to support his three younger siblings. He then served in World War II from 1942-45.