100-year-old World War II veteran receives honorary doctorate from high school

A World War II soldier who never finished his senior year of high school in Wisconsin after being drafted received a special honor from the school district where he was previously enrolled.

Jack Kraszewski, 100, received an honorary high school diploma on June 26 at a ceremony approved by the Pulaski Community School District (PCSD) Board of Education, reported the Pulaski News, Pulaski High School’s student-run newspaper.

According to the newspaper, Kraszewski was 18 years old when he was drafted into military service in 1943 and was therefore unable to graduate. He later took part in D-Day on June 6, 1944, which became a turning point in World War II for the Allies.

“Kraszewski was drafted into the 553rd Antiaircraft Battalion, 9th Division, on March 1, 1943. He landed on Utah Beach on D-Day and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge, a key battle in World War II,” the Pulaski News reported.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In an interview with WGBA, Kraszewski recalled his wartime experiences. “We shot down low-flying planes and low-flying planes,” he said. “Because our weapons were 40 millimeters and 50 calibers, so we couldn’t reach the bombers.”

Kraszewski also told CBS affiliate WFRV that he remembers the war not only for the friendships and camaraderie he made there, but also for the horrific things he witnessed.

“There were many days I enjoyed, many days I didn’t like, but you take the good with the bad,” he said. “I felt sorry for myself when I came home, I had lost three years. But I didn’t really lose it, I was one of nine million who got rid of Hitler and the Nazi regime.”

After returning from the war, Kraszewski resumed his job as a cheesemaker, according to WGBA. He said that raising his family was his greatest achievement.

Last May, the World War II veteran was honored at a parade in his hometown of Pulaski, where he drove through the streets in a World War II-era Jeep.

“Words can’t describe how much I enjoyed it,” Kraszewski said of WGBA. “So many people came to see me.”

Last month, Kraszewski was part of a group of World War II soldiers who traveled to France to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Pulaski news.

Kraszewski expressed humility for his service during the war and the recent attention that has been focused on him. “I don’t know why you’re doing all this for me,” he told a reporter on ABC affiliate WBAY. “I don’t deserve this. I did what I did, but I was ordered to do it. And there were nine million of us. Why should I get the credit for it?”

He thanked God for his long life by pointing his finger upward and saying, “The guy up there took care of it.”

Prior to Kraszewski, Maj. Stephen Kaster received an honorary diploma from the PCSD Board of Education in December 2018. Pulaski News reported.