PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- St. Vincent High School recognized Veterans Day by presenting World War II veteran Delbert Bohnert of Perryville with an honorary high school diploma.

"This means everything to me, and I really appreciate it," Bohnert said when school superintendent Kevin Fausz handed him his diploma.

Bohnert, now 84, was called up in the first draft in Perry County for World War II. He served as a sergeant in the Army from Feb. 15, 1941, to Aug. 24, 1945. During his service, Bohnert fought in five major battles, spent 50 days as a prisoner of war and earned a Purple Heart. After spending 14 months of service in Europe, he was wounded and sent home.

St. Vincent's ceremony Monday was prepared by school faculty members and held outside on the football field. It included local Girl and Boy Scout troops displaying the United States flag while the high school band and choir performed America's National Anthem. St. Vincent's entire student body recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Following Bohnert's presentation, taps were played while Scouts folded the flag. A reception was held in the school library for Bohnert and his family. He and his wife, Agnes, have been married for 61 years and have raised four children. They have lived in the Perryville community their whole lives.

When asked if he had a message for today's youth, Bohnert said, "Keep going to high school and get a good Catholic education. St. Vincent's is a fine school. These are the nicest bunch of kids I've seen."