PIERCE, Neb.- At 99 years-old, a World War ll veteran is getting a heroes welcome in Pierce.

Dale Steele received the “Celebrating 80 years of Victory” medal presented by Pierce Mayor Tom Meyer.

The medal is part of an initiative by the Nebraska Department of Veteran Affairs and Governor Jim Pillen called the World War ll Recognition Program.

“To recognize Dale for serving is awesome. This year will be the 80th year of the ending of World War ll,” said Pierce Mayor Tom Meyer.

Dale grew up in Pierce and was drafted right after graduating high school. He served in Belgium, Germany, and Czechoslovakia

Near the conclusion of the war, he was assigned to the Nuremberg trials.

“In that process, he guarded many of the well-known generals like Herman Göring and Joachim Ribbentrop. It was a very interesting experience for him,” said Robert Steele

Dale will turn 100 years-old on November 11th, also known as veterans day.