Oklahoma National Guard Honors 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran

A World War II veteran who just celebrated his 100th birthday was honored by the Oklahoma National Guard.

Lieutenant Colonel Oren Peters enlisted in the 45th infantry division in 1939. He earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

On his birthday this week, the Oklahoma National Guard presented Peters with the Thunderbird medal, its highest civilian honor.

“I’ve only heard about it one time and I was really surprised when the general presented it to me,” Peters said.

After World War II, Peters also served in the Korean War.