World War II Veteran Receives H.S. Diploma At Ceremony 70 Years Later
LINDEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A World War II veteran was presented with his high school diploma Friday, 70 years after graduating from his New Jersey high school.
As WCBS 880's Levon Putney reported, the left side of Herman Zeitchik's chest was covered in medals, but you couldn't see them until his wife opened his graduation gown.
"That one is the French legion of honor, big one," he said.
Zeitchik stormed the beach in Normandy and fought in the battle of the bulge before getting his high school diploma.
"Because he enlisted and was fighting in World War II during his senior year of high school," explained Linden School Superintendent Danny Robertozzi.
So Robertozzi said the least they could do was honor the now 90-year-old Sgt. Zeitchik.
"70 years ago he didn't get a chance to participate in his graduation ceremony so. ...He's going to finally have a chance to participate in a Linden High School commencement ceremony and be granted his diploma the proper way. Mr. Zeitchik will you please come forward," Robertozzi said.
"It's just wonderful, wonderful," Zeitchik said.
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