Article Title: Local historian and WWII veteran Donald Bayles celebrates his 100th birthday
Article Excerpt: "World War II veteran celebrated his 100th birthday. Last week, in honor of his milestone ...he was enlisted into the Army, serving as a sergeant with the 24th infantry division in the Philippines during World War II. On July 2, 1945, while fighting on the island of Mindanao, a mortar shell exploded near Mr. Bayles. Shrapnel pierced his right arm and side, perforated his diaphragm and collapsed one of his lungs. Doctors cut out a piece of one of his ribs and inserted a drain tube into his lung, where it remained for approximately two months. In spite of this injury and long road to recovery, Mr. Bayles said that of all the things he has done during his 100 years, he is most proud of his military service. After recovering in multiple hospitals overseas and in the states, Mr. Bayles was awarded a Purple Heart ..."
Reference Source: timesreview.com
