Two World War II veterans in St. Johns County, both 100 years old, were recognized during a special reception before the County Commission’s meeting Tuesday, May 5.
Bill West and George Ceccanese each received official certificates at the St. Johns County Administration Building at 500 San Sebastian View in St. Augustine. The pair were front and center with several people attending to help pay tribute to them.
West, born in 1926 in Beverly, New Jersey, enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. His service included time with the 780th Amphibious Tank Battalion and as a military police officer at Camp John Hay in the Philippines. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second-highest honor, along with multiple campaign and service medals recognizing his bravery and dedication.
Ceccanese, born in 1926 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, served as an Aviation Cadet in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II before continuing his service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves. A lifelong professional with General Electric, he later earned an MBA from Xavier University and remained active in community service, including leadership with Habitat for Humanity in St. Johns County.
The event included a ceremonial Sheriff’s Office escort organized by retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bill Dudley and participation from local high school cadets.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: At 100 years old, World War II vets honored in St. Johns County
Reporting by Scott Butler, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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