World War II veteran turns 105 in Palm Bay

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.

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

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.