After fighting German forces in WWII and fighting “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” stateside, the only thing 100-year-old Rupert “Twink” Starr needs to be fighting off now is gift wrap.The openly gay veteran was overjoyed at his century-birthday bash in Columbus, Ohio, reports NBC4.“I think it is outstanding, 100th birthday with all these friends,” Starr said. “I enjoyed this so much.
I’d like to do this every year.“Such a good group of friends, I can’t believe they’ve taken the time and the energy to come to wish me a happy birthday and sing happy birthday.
It’s overwhelming.”Related: President Biden overturns the ban on transgender military personnelThe veteran has more than earned his long, celebrated life.Twink was in just his early 20s when he was taken captive during a risky maneuver at the Battle of the Bulge.
After four long months as a German prisoner of war, he was liberated by allies.He was eventually awarded a Bronze Star for his bravery and honorably discharged.