LTG William Ely was honored by the Mayor of Delray Beach as the Keynote Speaker and Grand Marshall of the parade on Atlantic Avenue. He spoke for 10 minutes and was cheered by more than a thousand people.
At 103, Ely is the oldest West Point graduate in the nation. The Delray resident served on Midway Island and in the Southwest Pacific. His awards include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Service Medal.
Photo: LTG William Ely, his son COL Richard Ely and a friend at the Delray Beach Veterans Day Celebration
Highlights from Ely's 33-year Army career include working with Gen. George Marshall's attaché in Japan in conjunction with surrender negotiations after the atomic bombing. And with the Army Corps of Engineers, Ely contributed to critical infrastructure. Story