Local World War II Veteran Celebrates 100th Birthday
By Gabriella Sacidor
WILLOW GROVE, Pa., (CBS) -- It was a day of honor and celebration for a decorated World War II veteran in our area.
Staff Sergeant Warner Cryder turned 100-years-old Wednesday.
"He is proud of his service to our country," his son Scott Cryder said.
Cryder was born in Malden, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1941 and served during World War II.
He trained soldiers in operating a Sherman M1 tank while stationed at Fort Knox, Tennessee and served in the European Theater during 1944 and 1945 as a Staff Sergeant. He earned two Bronze Star medals.
After receiving an honorable discharge, Cryder began his employment with Woolworth which led to a sixty year career in the variety store business -- including owning three stores in Philadelphia.
Cryder has two sons, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The staff at his senior living community threw him a birthday party Wednesday afternoon where he celebrated the milestone with his family and friends.
"He's taken good care of himself," his son said. "He has been looking forward to this for the past five or six years."
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