Celebration held to honor 100th birthday of World War II veteran

A World War II veteran who turned 100 years old was honored last Friday during a special celebration at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna.

The celebration was held to honor David Ivan “Dave” Johnson of Du Quoin. Johnson has been a resident at the Illinois Veterans Home since February of 2014.

Johnson was born on May 31, 1919. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 28, 1941 – that was just a few months prior to the Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. He was honorably discharged on April 20, 1944.

Johnson achieved the rank of Tech 5 (corporal) during his service in the Army. He saw duty in the Pacific Theatre, including New Caledonia and Guadalcanal. 

Johnson served in the 33rd Mobile Recon Squadron. He was a radio man in the unit, which also included a gunner and a driver.

He lived and worked in Du Quoin with his wife, who has passed away. His career was in the auto parts field. He’s overcome numerous health challenges on the way to reaching birthday number 100.

Friday’s 100th birthday celebration included a special presentation to the Army veteran.

Anthony Barnett, the adjutant at the Illinois Veterans Home in Anna, presented a shadow box to veteran David Ivan “Dave” Johnson. 

The shadow box displayed honors which Johnson earned during World War II. Those honors included a World War II Victory Medal and an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.  The presentation appeared to be an emotional moment for the veteran.

“Happy Birthday” was sung to Johnson by those in attendance. Cake and refreshments were served as part of the celebration.

Johnson received many cards from his church family at the First Baptist Church in Du Quoin, where he has served as a deacon.