A story in Wednesday's edition regarding the death of Ralph Starr, 95, of Shamokin, cited several sources from the Shamokin-Coal Township and Mount Carmel areas who said Starr was believed to be the oldest living local veteran prior to his death.
However, there is an older living veteran, Bruno J. Leonardi, of Mount Carmel, a World War II Army veteran of the European Theater and Africa, who turned 100 on Dec. 9.
Leonardi, who has been a member of the Mount Carmel VFW since approximately 1946, joined in the Army in April 1942 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant technician 4th grade on Nov. 16, 1945. He was a tank mechanic and served with the 98th Ordinance Company Heavy Duty Tank Unit. He received the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Medal, EAME Theater Service Medal with three bronze stars and Victory Medal.
Another local veteran is soon to celebrate his 100th birthday, it has been reported to The News-Item, although that person's name was not yet provided.