*Chicago – This is a cause for celebration! Eddie Durham, an African American World War II veteran, turned 100 years old this past week.

He was celebrated in a centennial celebration befitting a hero. Hundreds of people gathered to salute Mr. Durham, including local dignitaries and other veterans. Dr. W. Douglas Rasmussen III, Veterans Commission Chairman of Tinley Park gave remarks and there was a Presentation of Colors by VFW Post 2791. Eddie Durham also received a special recognition letter from President Joe Biden honoring him for his service during World War II and acknowledging his 100th birthday.

‘My Name Was Cleared’: Civil Rights Pioneer Claudette Colvin’s Arrest Record Expunged 66 Years After She Refused to Give Up Her Seat to a White Woman In Montgomery

“Thank you for your inspiring service in the United States Army,” said President Biden in the letter. “The selflessness of veterans like you who answered our nation’s call to serve during World War II defines the true character of our great country.”

Eddie Durham was born on December 8, 1921. He served in the United States Army Transportation Corps, Spearhead of Logistics, during World War II, from 1943 to 1945. During the mid-twentieth century, a young sharecropper from the deep south of Greenville, Mississippi, Eddie Durham, who was accustomed to a mule and plow, learned how to drive a truck as he matriculated in the United States Armed Forces, becoming a “tech corporal” and machine gunner while serving in World War II. During his tenure in the United States Armed Forces, Eddie fought in the Rome-Arno, North Apennines, and Po Valley campaigns.

Source: Eddie Durham: World War II Veteran and Chicago Resident Celebrated his 100th Birthday