World War II veteran from Cherokee County celebrates 104th birthday

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Charlie Duncan said it was 79 years ago, almost to the day that he received a very important message.

“I got home on Friday, and I had to be at Fort McPherson on Monday morning. That’s how much time they gave me,” Duncan said.

He was sworn into the U.S. Army on his 25th birthday.

On his 104th birthday this past weekend, family and friends packed the Semper Fi Grille in Woodstock to wish Charlie well.

“I’ve been knowing the old rascal for 50 years now,” longtime friend Roy Lantz said.

Lantz is a Vietnam Veteran who loves to hear Duncan tell stories about World War II.

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Duncan was a member of the Army Corps of Engineers, driving through Germany in General George Patton’s Army.

He told Channel 2′s Berndt Petersen that he’ll never forget the time the general was a few steps away.

“Just close enough I could hear him hollering,” Duncan said.

These days, the voices that make him the happiest are his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Duncan said everywhere he goes -- and he still drives his car to get there -- folks thank him for his service.

“It makes me feel good. I know I’m being loved,” Duncan said.

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