Houston WWII Veteran Napoleon Gilmore Celebrates 102nd Birthday
Houston World War II veteran Napoleon Gilmore celebrated his 102nd birthday at the Richard A. Anderson Texas State Veterans Home in Houston. The milestone event was attended by officials and community members who gathered to honor his life of courage, service, and perseverance. Gilmore served in the U.S. Army during World War II, entering active duty in 1943. His role as a telephone and telegraph lineman took him overseas to both the European and Asiatic-Pacific theaters, where he supported military operations during campaigns in Rhineland and Central Europe. During his nearly three years in uniform, Gilmore achieved the rank of Technician Fourth Grade and received numerous decorations, including campaign medals for service in Europe and the Pacific, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was also recognized as a qualified rifle sharpshooter and received an honorable discharge in February 1946.