WWII vet, 104, collecting Valentine’s Day cards

STOCKTON, Calif. — A World War II veteran who earned a Purple Heart at the Battle of Iwo Jima wants to collect cards for Valentine’s Day.

Bill White, 104, rose to the rank of major during his 30-year career in the U.S. Marines. The California native enjoys scrapbooking and collecting, and wants to add valentines to his collection, KTXL reported.

“(Scrapbooking has) kept me busy just trying to locate or keep track of what’s happened to me, where, when,” White told the television station.

The valentines would be a nice addition, White said.

“I’ll save every one of them like I’ve been saving little things that have come up until right now and they’ll be a personal part of my history,” White told KTXL.

The most prized possession White has is the Purple Heart he won for his actions on March 3, 1945, at Iwo Jima.

“The fact that I even survived is something. There weren’t too many of us,” White told KTXL. “When I was wounded, I didn’t have any choice in the matter. A grenade blew up about six inches from me.”

White survived and has enjoyed a long life.

“I’m still here. I’m 104. Can’t complain,” White told KTXL. “I can’t think of anything else. I can give you all sorts of ideas and suggestions but if you’re not breathing, they don’t mean anything.”

To send a Valentine’s Day card to White, address it to:

Operation Valentine

ATTN: Hold for Maj Bill White, USMC (Ret)

The Oaks at Inglewood

6725 Inglewood Ave.

Stockton, CA 95207

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