97 Year Old Veteran Refused To Give Up Earns High School Diploma

Mr. Gray shows off his diploma

This story shows that nothing can stop you from achieving success with determination as the saying goes “better late than never” comes the amazing tale of Frederick L. Gray, a 97 year old veteran of the Second World War who just now earned his high school diploma. 

Mr. Gray’s formal education was interrupted way back in the 1930s, when the Great Depression was just starting. He was supposed to graduate in 1934, but dropped out in 1933. His dad had died and he had to start working in order to support his mom and two younger brothers.
In 1942, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 24th Infantry Division. He served in the Pacific Theater, fighting against the armies of Imperial Japan. He earned a Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster, meaning he had won two Bronze Stars, during his time in combat.

After the war, Mr. Gray continued to work for New York Air Brake. When he retired, he’d risen to manage the entire billing department for the company.

After putting off his graduation for 80 years, Mr. Gray finally found time to earn his high school diploma. Very happy to get it, the century-old man is quoted as saying, “I’m amazed … I never in God’s world expected to be getting this. I’m just dumbfounded by the thoughtfulness.”