Salute to Service
A quiet, unassuming World War II veteran received the surprise of his life Sunday when he was honored for his service and feted for turning 100 years old.
Karl Herold of Franklin Township, who was born Dec. 29, 1920, watched in amazement from a chair in his driveway as an honor guard from the Bantam Marine Corps League Detachment 743 solemnly presented the U.S. and Marine Corps flags and celebrated his milestone with a rifle salute.
The honor guard also presented Herold with a plaque from the Marine Corps that touts his service from 1942 to 1946 and that honors his 100th birthday.
A handful of musicians from Herold's church, Emmanuel Lutheran in Prospect, played their instruments as the honor guard sang the Marine Corps Hymn. “Happy Birthday” was sung by not only the honor guard, but also several of Herold's family members, neighbors and church friends who had shown up at the surprise ceremony.“He said: 'Why is everybody doing this for me?'” said honor guard member Sam Zurzolo, Marine Corps sergeant major, retired. “I said 'Karl, you're a hero in our eyes.'”The honor guard presented Herold with a Marine Corps lapel pin and coin, which the Marine received with humility and emotion.“Karl was very touched,” Zurzolo said. “He was totally honored, and I was honored personally to be a part of these festivities for him.”To top off the surprise event, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, traveled from Washington D.C. to present Herold with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol Building in honor of his 100th birthday as well as various certificates of congratulations.Jim McMullen, commander of the Bantam Marine Detachment, said various factors made it difficult to plan the outdoor surprise event, but he soldiered through in organizing it to honor Herold.
“No. 1, he's a Marine,” McMullen said. “No. 2, he was a World War II combat veteran. Bullets were flying all around him. And No. 3, he is 100 years old.”Herold fought for two years in the Pacific Theater, taking part in three major campaigns: the invasions of Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa with the Fourth and later with the Second Marine divisions.He was training for a planned invasion of Taiwan when the Japanese surrendered Aug. 15, 1945.McMullen said in engaging Herold in conversation on Sunday, the honor guard members found he was eager to talk about his years of service.“It really seemed to stimulate his Marine memories,” McMullen said.Dave Herold, who lives next door to the home where he grew up and where his father still lives, said Karl was suspicious that something was going to happen Sunday as his family readied him for an unnamed event.
“This morning, he was still going on about it,” Dave said Monday. “He was so overwhelmed.”The younger Herold marveled at the impressive ceremony organized by McMullen and the participation of his father's fellow church members.“They did a fantastic job,” Dave said. “I just can't get over how nice it was.”He said it was touching watching his father receive honors for his military service and congratulations on reaching 100 years of age.“It was his day,” Dave said. “I was proud for him.”McMullen was humbled when he noticed Herold's reaction to the accolades, gifts and songs he received on Sunday.“A couple of times, he had to pause and collect himself,” he said. “It felt really good to do this.”
