WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday aboard Battleship North Carolina

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A World War II veteran celebrated his 100th birthday aboard the Battleship North Carolina on Friday. 

A Marine Corps infantryman, 100-year-old Lewis Bourgault enlisted in 1942 and was stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville. 

Bourgault served at the battle of Iwo Jima, and today, he gives tours on the battleship, serving as a living testament to World War II history. 

He says what gives him the greatest personal satisfaction is teaching the next generation. 

“That is what keeps me going. I have so much experience and so much I know about, I got to find somebody to tell it to,” he said. “You know, a few years ago, If I said I was a World War II veteran, they’d say ‘So what?’ Now I’m look a moon rock. Nobody ever saw a moon rock before so they all come to see me. No, they’re a nice bunch.”  

Bourgault was joined by more than 100 people, including friends, family, and fellow veterans.