June 30, 2014 (Mt. Airy, NC) ─ As communities across the nation prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Twelve Oaks is gearing up to honor the nation’s veterans including Claude Branch, the last World War II veteran living in the DePaul Senior Living Community in Mt. Airy. Branch served as a rifleman in the U.S. Army with the 78th Infantry Division.

He received a Bronze Star Medal in Germany for his devotion to duty, leadership and dependability under enemy fire, as well as a Distinguished Unit Award, among other accolades. Stationed in Central Europe, Branch fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, and assisted with the capture of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen.

Branch began serving at the age of 19 in November 1943 until January 1946, advancing to the rank of Private first class. He was offered the position of Sergeant, but turned it down.

“When he was discharged it took him two to three months to return home because they were sending soldiers home on small ships, packing them full, and it was winter time and the water was rough,” said Eileen Kidd, Claude’s oldest daughter. “He stayed sick the whole time and said he would never get on a boat again.”

A Mt. Airy native, Branch, 88, has lived at Twelve Oaks since 2010.

“Claude is one of the few WW2 veterans left in the United States, and he is a pleasure to know and meet,” said Activities Director Samantha Stanley. “He is truly a Hero.”

For more information about Twelve Oaks, please contact Administrator Penny Haynes at (336) 786-1130 or visit us on Facebook.