SCRANTON, Pa. — A very special birthday celebration for a veteran in Scranton on Tuesday.

Eugene Passarella is marking his 100th birthday with the help of the Gino Merli Veterans Center.

Passarella was drafted into the army during World War II and bravely stormed the beaches of Normandy, France.

He was later wounded by a sniper in Belgium.

Passarella, who is also known as Gene Dempsey of the Gene Dempsey Orchestra, received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his heroism.

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