WWII Hero Turns 108, Nation Sends Birthday Cards

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A Florida World War II veteran, believed to be the state’s oldest surviving servicemember, is approaching a remarkable milestone that has captured widespread attention on social media.

Chief Petty Officer William “Bill” Monfort will turn 108 on Tuesday at his Clearwater care facility residence, according to 11 Alive’s recent report.

A true American hero, Chief Petty Officer William Monfort, is turning 108-years-old December 17. https://t.co/e8igjxk99e

— WKRG (@WKRG) December 11, 2024

Several years ago, his caregiver Lisa Weaver initiated a card-sending campaign, encouraging people to mail birthday wishes to Bill Monfort at 3260 McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater, FL, 33761.

WFLA reporter Jennifer Leigh recently shared that Monfort looks forward to receiving birthday cards for this special occasion.

The story has resonated strongly with social media users, garnering 122,000 reactions, over 43,000 comments, and exceeding 4,000 shares on 11 Alive’s platform by Sunday afternoon.

“I don’t feel old. People ask me all the time and I tell them, maybe 50,” said Monfort, who was among the first radiomen to receive Pearl Harbor attack transmissions.

According to 11 Alive:

“Bill enlisted in the Navy when he was barely 19 years old. He survived kamikaze attacks and was among the first to respond to the Pearl Harbor attack, as his destroyer was just off the coast of Hawaii.”

“I was two days out. I left Pearl Harbor on Friday and it was bombed on Sunday,” he said.

“We shot down a lot of airplanes,” Monfort recalled. “A lot of people over the years have asked me if I was ever scared and I say, ‘I don’t know, maybe I was, but I had a job to do and I did it.'”

Family and friends of Chief Petty Officer William "Bill" Monfort are collecting cards to help the World War II veteran celebrate his 108th birthday next week! 🎂🎉
https://t.co/qUahiqKnBO

— WTHR.com (@WTHRcom) December 12, 2024

The announcement prompted numerous well-wishers to share their messages, with one commenting, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIR, MAY GOD BLESS YOU WITH MANY MANY MORE.”

Another supporter wrote, “Happy Birthday and thank you for your service. You are very much appreciated!”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joined the celebration, stating, “Thank you for your service to our country. The state of Florida celebrates and honors you.”