BILLINGS — More than eight decades after surviving imprisonment during World War II, veteran Charles “Joe” Hucke marked his 102nd birthday in Billings with a celebration of both his life and legacy days before Veterans Day.

Watch how a WWII veteran celebrated his 102nd birthday: WWII veteran and former POW celebrates 102nd birthday in Billings

Hucke was surrounded by family, friends, caregivers, and plenty of love at Butterfly Homes Assisted Living in Billings on Friday afternoon. The milestone was marked with cake, and he was presented with an Air Force challenge coin as a token of gratitude for his courage.

“We're just so lucky to have him. It's not everybody that has a relative that age," said Douglas Hucke, his son. "We're very lucky that he's as happy as he is.”

Isabel Spartz/MT

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