World War II, Pearl Harbor veteran celebrates 108

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Dozens of family, friends and local acquaintances stopped by The Landmark assisted living facility Tuesday to sing Happy Birthday to a local centenarian celebrating his 108th birthday.

Chief Petty Officer William Monfort is the oldest living veteran in Florida; he served in World War II and was one of the first to hear the call for the attack on Pearl Harbor. Through the course of his life, Monfort met four presidents and was good friends with Jimmy Carter, having been born and raised in the same part of Georgia.

William Monfort, 108, salutes, as the colors are presented during his birthday celebration.(Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

A radio operator on a destroyer in the US Navy, he heard the chilling message: “Air raid Pearl Harbor. This is no drill.”

He witnessed the destruction four days later.

Deb Whitehouse, of Palm Harbor, left, gives William Monfort a hug while Hope, a female Poodle, sits on Monfort’s lap. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

It’s easier for Monfort to tell you what Pacific battles he didn’t fight in in the ensuing world war campaign. He only missed three: Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima.

According to the Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine New England Centenarian Study, the state of Florida had 5,113 centenarians in 2019.

Members of the Clearwater Honor Guard and others recognize William Monfort, 108. (Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times/TNS)

The prevalence of centenarians has been increasing and in the past twenty years, the rate nearly doubled, according to the study.

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