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.