One of the last World War II surviving veterans of Logan County, Bill Guthrie, celebrates his 96th birthday Monday alongside his family and friends at the Logan County Friendly Senior Center, 934 S. Main St., including, from the left, his grandson, Dereck Gray, who recently retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service; his sons-in-law John McClure and Tom Burnside, and his daughter Virginia Gray. The Bellefontaine resident graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1944 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army to fight in World War II. On New Year’s Day 1945, he boarded the RMS Queen Mary en route to Europe to join up with the 29th Infantry Division, according to a previous Examiner story. He also served in the Korean War and Vietnam War, and retired from the Army on Feb 1. 1971. During his time in the military, Mr. Guthrie earned a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars and a Presidential Commendation, among other awards. (EXAMINER PHOTO | MANDY LOEHR)