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Oklahoma WWII Veteran to get High School Diploma

YALE, Okla. (AP) — He will be at least 70 years older than anyone else picking up a diploma at the Yale High School graduation ceremony next weekend, but that won't really matter to Francis Bickell.

While his original classmates were receiving their diplomas in 1942, the 88-year-old was overseas fighting in World War Two.

Bickell told The Oklahoman he believes he could have gone farther after the war if he had a high school diploma.

His son, Keith, says it bothered him that his father regretted not finishing high school.

Keith Bickell found a program that allows Second World War veterans to apply for high school diplomas they didn't receive during the war.

Don't expect Francis to attend post-graduation festivities. He's going to celebrate with a family picnic in the park.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.