JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A World War II veteran and current Jacksonville resident will be celebrating his 100th birthday on Fourth of July Thursday.
VFW Post 5968 in Orange Park will be holding the special celebration for Fred A. Long Jr., a 30-year highly decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy.
The VFW says Long enlisted in the Navy on March 9, 1943 at NAS Jacksonville as a Seaman 2nd Class. After completing a 16-week Class "B" School in Chicago, the VFW says Long qualified on every aircraft built by the Navy.
In addition to NAS Jacksonville, Long served at NAS Daytona Beach, Camp Elliot Training Center San Diego, CA, NAS Kaneohe, Hawaii, NAS Columbus, OH, Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35) out of Sanford, FL, NAS Cecil Field, Quonset Point, RI and Argentia, Newfoundland.
Long earned many medals while in the Navy, including the World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal (European Clasp), China Service Medal, UN Service Medal, National Defense Korean Service Medal, Antarctic Service-Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Star and Nine (9) Good Conduct Medals.
Long earned the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon for "Outstanding heroism in action against the enemy or extremely meritorious service (non-combat) in support of military operations," the VFW says.
Long retired from the Navy in January of 1973 and obtained the highest rate available to a noncommissioned officer, E-9 Master Chief. He has been been a VFW Life Member of Post 5968 in Orange Park since December, 1993.