93-year-old WWII hero from Alabama receives high school diploma

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May 25, 2015

HIGHLAND HOME, Ala. — During World War II, thousands of young men across the United States were compelled to cut short their educations to go serve their country overseas. Last week, one of those men, J.D. Sexton, finally earned his high school diploma—more than 70 years after serving in combat during the Battle of the Bulge and liberating thousands of Holocaust victims.

Mr. Sexton’s story was posted on the “Forgotten Alabama” Facebook group:

This gentleman is Mr. J.D. Sexton. He was a student at Highland Home School in Crenshaw County in the early 40’s, but World War II had other plans. He served in France and served with Patton at Normandy, and spent three years overseas. When he returned from the war, he met and married his wife in Kansas and settled. He made the trip home, and two days short of his 93rd birthday he graduated and received his HS diploma. Very humble and well deserving “young” man. He and his wife have been married 70 years.

“I’m just appreciative of the Lord Jesus for letting me live to be 93,” Sexton said after the commencement ceremony. “It’s a wonderful thing to come up here and be with the people and to receive a diploma for high school education.”

He also had some advice for his fellow graduates.

“Go forth in life, and put forth all the effort you have!”

Congratulations, Mr. Sexton, and thank you for your service.