RED OAK, Iowa —

A World War II veteran and longtime Iowa resident was honored for his service in the U.S. Navy Scouts and Raiders, the precursor to the modern-day Navy Seals.

The family of 99-year-old Al Hays believes he is the last living member of the elite operations unit.

Hays enlisted in 1943 at the age of 17, completing scouting missions in the Southwest Pacific, including in the Philippines and Iwo Jima, before the U.S. military would invade. As a part of his military service, he signed a 70-year non-disclosure agreement to keep his missions top secret.

"Every night we'd leave that ship. They take us to an island that was occupied by 100% Japanese," Hays said. "Sometimes right through the Japanese army."

For the last decade, Hays has shared stories with family and friends of hi

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