New York: It took nearly eight decades, but Frederick Gray is finally a high school graduate. the 97-year-old World War II veteran was presented on Monday with a diploma from Watertown High School during a ceremony at his northern New York home, sources said..

Gray was set to graduate in 1934 but dropped out a year early to get a job to help support his family during the Great Depression. Gray worked in a factory before being drafted into the Army in 1942. He served in the 24th Infantry Division in the Pacific campaign, earning a Bronze Star.

He returned to his job and retired as head of the companys billing department. Gray says he never expected to get a diploma and is “dumbfounded by the thoughtfulness.”