The man who is believed to be America’s oldest living World War II veteran is turning 110 years old on Friday.
Frank Levingston enlisted in the Army in 1942, according to NBC News. He served in Italy as a private during the Naples-Foggia Campaign from September 1943 to January 1944 and was discharged in 1945. He said he still remembers his entire military career.
“I can remember the day I was inducted in the Army until the day I was discharged,” he said. “I’ve been through so many dangerous things and I’m still here. I’m thankful to the almighty God for it. That’s all I can say.”
Born in 1905, Levingston grew up as one of seven children in northern Louisiana.
Now, the 109-year-old is living in Lake Charles, La., where he recently received a letter from the White House thanking him for his service and congratulating him on his birthday. “We trust you take enormous pride in everything you have accomplished,” the letter says, according to KPLC-7.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
- Biden’s Campaign Is In Trouble. Will the Turnaround Plan Work?
- Why We're Spending So Much Money Now
- The Financial Influencers Women Actually Want to Listen To
- Breaker Sunny Choi Is Heading to Paris
- Why TV Can’t Stop Making Silly Shows About Lady Journalists
- The Case for Wearing Shoes in the House
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Megan McCluskey at megan.mccluskey@time.com