By Glenn Rolfe

This story has been updated.

DAGSBORO — While Ernest “Ernie” Marvel couldn’t offer his usual handshake due to a recent shoulder injury, there were plenty of hugs, warm embraces and kisses Saturday.

They were all part of delivering birthday greetings to the highly decorated World War II U.S. Army hero from Frankford, who turned 100 the following day.

“Ernie, bless your heart,” said George Decker, the commander of American Legion Post 24, where the party was held. “Thank you for your service. And thank you for being a friend.”

Similar sentiments were voiced by the post’s service officer, Emory Grim, who said, “(Ernie) walks into this post, and he just lightens up the room.”

The well wishes were augmented by tributes and presentations, including via the Delaware House of Representatives and the Oklahoma National Guard.

Event organizer Jen Myers of Post 24’s Auxiliary Unit estimated that 125-150 people attended Saturday’s celebration.

Along with the birthday, they all came to recognize Mr. Marvel’s memorable service. He was part of the Army from April 21, 1944, until his honorable discharge April 13, 1946. A private first class, he served in the 179th Regiment with the 45th Infantry Division during wartime, then was reassigned to the 45th Quartermasters.

Following the Battle of the Bulge, Mr. Marvel arrived in France and saw action in the Allied push into Germany. He was also part of the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp.

During battle, he drew numerous assignments, including crawling across a field strewn with German mines and booby traps. The bazooka marksman also took out enemy vehicles.

For his bravery, Mr. Marvel accumulated many medals.

Then, in mid-July 2022, he went to Washington, D.C., to finalize his induction into the French Legion of Honor — the highest order of merit in that country, both military and civil. It carries the distinction of knighthood.

Donnie Carey, Mr. Marvel’s grandson, noted that his “poppop” is the only Delawarean with that award.

On Saturday, Mr. Marvel received the Thunderbird Medal, the second-highest honor given by the state of Oklahoma. The 179th Regiment was deactivated and is now a National Guard unit in that state.

“What an honor it is,” said retired Lt. Col. Robert Mathews of the Oklahoma National Guard, who bestowed numerous commemorative items upon Mr. Marvel.

Additionally, state Rep. Ron Gray offered a tribute from his chamber.

“Truly, you are a hero to us. I just love talking about you,” he said. “And you just keep going. So, I’ll see you Memorial Day out at the (Veterans of Foreign Wars), I am sure.”

From Wicomico County, Maryland, came Sheriff Michael Lewis, along with a pin and his pledge that “from this day forward you are an honorary Wicomico County sheriff’s deputy.”

“Thank you, sir, for the sacrifices you have made for our great country,” he added.

Mr. Carey explained how his grandfather’s military life began at age 18, when Mr. Marvel received a letter from Uncle Sam that his country needed his service.

“He was taken to the front lines, thrown into dangerous situations that he never thought he’d have to face. This young man from Frankford, Delaware, had never left the state and never been in a fight,” Mr. Carey said. “Now, he, along with many other young soldiers like him, were asked to fight and die for their country.

“Sir Ernest Marvel, we are so proud of you,” he continued. “Surviving the war. Working until you were 90 years old. Being a humble man of God. Living to the age of 100 years old. You are an inspiration to all of us.”