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Palm Beach Co. WWII Vet, Purple Heart Recipient Turns 100: Report
The 100-year-old man, who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima, reportedly recalled his time in the battle that killed nearly 7,000 US Marines.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL — A World War II Marine Corps. veteran in Florida, who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima between the U.S. and the Empire of Japan, turned 100-years-old last week.
Bob Riechman, a Purple Heart recipient whose birthday was on March 19, spoke with iHeart Radio about his time on the island and about celebrating his special occasion in an interview released Friday.
He told iHeart he used this year's birthday celebration to observe his 21st birthday spent on Iwo Jima, a battle that lasted 36 days.
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"It's all genes," he told iHeart about what it means to be present today. "I've lived a very nice life. ... Your mind is the greatest thing. Keep your mind healthy."
According to the Marine Corps Forces Reserve, Riechman is originally from Missouri. He served as a private first class with the 26th Marine Regiment, and fought during World War II from 1942-46.
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Nearly 7,000 U.S. Marines died in the battle, and 20,000 Marines were injured, according to the National WWII Museum.
Hear about Riechman's time in the battle via iHeart.
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