WWII, Korean War Vet Gets High School Diploma at 93 [VIDEO]
Sam Stansell finally has a high school diploma. The 93-year-old veteran of the Korean War and World War II dropped out of school as a senior to serve his country in 1942 and was honored as he made his way across the stage to graduate from Red Bank High School yesterday on Veterans' Day.
According to WTVC, Stansell served in the engine room of the USS Saratoga during some of the major battles in the Pacific Theater of WWII and was at the battle of Guadacanal, the Solomans, the Gilberts and Marshalls, and Battle of Iwo Jima.
Stansell can thank a Tenessee judge for his part in his graduation. Hamilton County Judge Russell Bean saw his story and reached out to Red Bank High School. He was awarded his diploma Monday in front of a crowd of students inspired by his story. Stansell is also a member of the Red Bank High School Hall of Fame.