PERRY TWP. – A local U.S. military veteran whose service spanned parts of three wars and survived a World War II kamikaze attack reached the century mark over the holiday season.
Samuel “Sam” Jaquez, a resident of Brookdale Senior Living, turned 100 on Dec. 27. He served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy during World War II. His military service also spanned the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Jaquez shared some memories on his birthday with friends and retired Louisville teachers — who he worked with decades ago — during a small, cheerful birthday at the facility.
Samuel Jaquez, a veteran who served in World War II and also during the Korean and Vietnam wars, celebrated his 100th birthday Dec. 27 at Brookdale Senior Living center in Perry Township. A small party was held in his honor.
He smiled, laughed and nodded his head during parts of his visit with longtime friends Dave Ashley, Don Krabill and Chuck Hubiak.
“We taught school together for awhile,” said Krabill. “(Sam) never talked about his military service. He is a proud man.”
Jaquez, who’s lived at Brookdale for about five years, was aboard the USS Nashville in December 1944, in the Philippines when it was struck by a Japanese kamikaze pilot. More than 130 sailors were killed in the attack, but 190 servicemen survived, including Jaquez.
Jaquez, who grew up in West Virginia, was awarded a Purple Heart for his military service. He is also a recipient of the Bronze Star.
Close family friend Paula Brown of Lisbon attended the gathering for Jaquez, frequently calling him “Uncle Sam.” She is a good friend of one of Jaquez’s nieces who lives out of state.
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Brown called Jaquez “a caring and special man” who had no children. He and his wife, Helen, were married for 58 years. She died in 2019.
After his time in the military, Jaquez attended Fairmont State University in West Virginia and later became a history teacher. He taught at Louisville Middle School for several years, Brown said.
In his earlier days, Jaquez coached football, golf and basketball at the high school level, according to a news release from Brookdale, which stated he is also a big fan of professional football.
Reach Steven Grazier at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE
This article originally appeared on The Independent: 100 year-old military veteran Samuel Jaquez served in three U.S. wars