WWII veteran graduates from Alma Bryant High School

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. ( WKRG ) — A World War II veteran graduated from Alma Bryant High School on Tuesday.

“Unheard of, little old me,” George Place told News 5 after walking across the stage.

98-year-old George Hudson Place was born in Bayou La Batre in December 1925 and attended school at Alba Elementary and Alba High School.

“I needed a new pair of shoes,” Place said. “So I went into the Navy.”

Place lied about his age to the Navy, so he could enlist and serve his country at the age of 16, meaning he did not finish high school. He said it was a natural decision seeing how well his two older brothers were doing in the Navy.

The day after his 16th birthday, Place went to basic training in San Diego. He then went on to serve in the South Pacific for 18 months. While there he was stationed in the Marshall Islands on Engebi Island.

Eventually, Place was ranked as Boatswain 3rd Class and was the operator of a Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel, according to an MCPSS release. He received many awards during his time in the Navy.

Place was discharged from the Navy on April 26, 1946, at Middleton Airforce Base in Tennessee. He then came home and worked at Brookley Air Force Base but realized his true passion was shrimping and making nets for Bayou La Batre.

“Back to high school? No, I had nets,” Place said.

“Because of the sacrifices Mr. Place chose to make, he was unable to continue his education. He put his country, its citizens, and their freedom above all,” read the release. “Mr. Place is a true hero to this country and to the people of Bayou La Batre.”

For the past seven decades, Place has been making shrimping nets for Bayou La Batre. However, after 80 years Place walked across the graduation stage with one simple message for all students.

“Be open-minded, learn all you can learn,” Place said. “You are going to need it.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.