CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WV News) — Francis Dalton, a local veteran and retired coal miner, will be turning 104 years old Sunday.

The United Mine Workers of America have described Dalton as "the oldest miner in America."

"The UMWA is honored to recognize Francis; he's obviously an American hero," said Erin Bates, communications director for the UMWA. "He spent his entire life working underground, except for the time that he served our country in the military, which just shows his sacrifice and his resilience."

Dalton, a native of Morgantown, has lived a long and storied life. After the Pearl Harbor attacks, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 65th Brigade Engineer Battalion in the Pacific Theater.

Dalton was wounded twice in the line of duty, and and was awarded the Purple Heart

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