The American Legion Rusy Bohm Post 411 and Paws of War recognized veteran David Clarence Palmer just three days after his birthday on Nov. 30 with a ceremony held at 2 p.m. Palmer celebrated his 99th birthday, being part of the Greatest Generation, which refers to those who came of age during World War II.

Palmer was born on Nov. 27, 1925, in Norwalk, Conn. He is one of two remaining WWII veterans who are members of the American Legion Rusy Bohm Post 411.

At just 18 years old, Palmer went on active duty in January 1944. He reported to Fort Devens, located in Massachusetts, and later completed his basic training at Camp Blanding in Florida. After attending signal school in Fort Benning, Ga., Palmer was assigned to the 71st Cavalry Mechanized Reconnaissance of the United States Third Army, commanded by Gen. George S. Patton.

During WWII, Fort Devens served as a training facility, reception center, and prisoner of war camp. Camp Blanding served as an infantry replacement training center and Fort Benning was primarily used for infantry and airborne training.

The reconnaissance unit that Palmer was part of had many military accomplishments. After arriving in Le Havre, France, on Feb. 6, 1945, Palmer’s division saw combat on March 11, 1945, after beginning the removal of German forces from France. As a group, the 71st Division traveled farther east than other U.S. Army units that were sent to the European Theater Operations, which is where the U.S. Army directed its operations during WWII.

After his service, Palmer came back home to Connecticut, where he studied at the University of Connecticut under the G.I Bill. He eventually moved to Long Island, working at his uncle’s boatyard, located in Bay Shore.

He married his first wife, Mildred Anna Setkowsky, on Nov. 27, 1948. The couple lived in Bay Shore before building their first house in Islip, where they raised two daughters and a son. Mildred Palmer died in 1982.

Years later, Palmer married Pasqua Ester Piscopo, who also died.

In June 1991, Palmer joined the American Legion Rusy Bohm Post 411. With over 33 years of participation in the American Legion, he continues to be active in the community. He has held many positions in office and committee, as well as received Legion citations.

In 2023, Palmer was appointed as grand marshal for the Memorial Day Parade. He also maintains a connection with the Trinity Lutheran Church in Islip. He has put his carpentry skills to work with volunteer projects at the American Legion and church.

Currently, Palmer lives with his stepson, Patrick Bernardis, in East Islip. Serving our country didn’t end with Palmer. Several of his family members have gone on to serve in the U.S. armed forces, such as the Navy, Marines and Air Force.

“Mr. Palmer is the sole remaining World War II veteran attached to American Legion Rusy Bohm Post 411 to see combat in that conflict,” American Legion Post 411 said in a press release. “It is for all of us to treasure, safeguard and preserve, in spoken word and publication, the memories and deeds of America’s ‘greatest generation.’”