WWII veteran celebrates birthday by skydiving

SOUTHPORT, NC (WWAY) — A World War II veteran celebrated his birthday by skydiving today.

Harold Garrish has been featured as one of WWAY’s “Extraordinary People” because he does some pretty extraordinary things. He served in the US Navy in the 1940s and was based in Hawaii during the Pearl Harbor attack. He also spent time in Europe with the British Fleet and was assigned to decipher Japanese coded messages.

These days, Garrish spends his time playing golf, dancing, and enjoying life.

“You might as well stay alive and enjoy your life while it’s around,” said Garrish.

That’s why he’s wanted to go skydiving for some time now.

“It’s one of the few things I’ve never done, so I figured if former President Bush did it, I can do it,” he said.

Garrish is now the oldest person to skydive at Skydive Coastal Carolinas in Southport.