‘He’s a hero’: Middle TN WWII veteran celebrates 103rd birthday

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — A big birthday party was held in Rutherford County for one of our nation’s heroes. 

On Sept. 4, World War II Navy veteran Bennie Pandorf turned 103 years old. He is believed to be the oldest living World War II veteran in Murfreesboro.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, less than 1% of the 16.4 million Americans who served during World War II are still alive today.

More than 50 of Pandorf’s family members, friends, caretakers and neighbors showed up to honor him for the grand occasion. Mission BBQ, riders from the Christian Motorcycle Association, Rolling Thunder and the Murfreesboro Police Department caravaned as part of the celebration. The Murfreesboro Fire Department also had a fire truck on site.

During World War II, Pandorf served in the Pacific working on the transport ships. He was responsible for taking troops to their duty stations after battles. 

“He served the country well,” said Bennie Pandorf Jr., the veteran’s son. “He was in for just under four years. He’s got good stories and saw a lot of interesting things. He’s a hero.”

Pandorf is currently receiving care from VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s Home-based Primary Care Team where staff members visit veterans in the comfort of their own homes. 

“Everything the VA has done has been great,” Pandorf Jr. said. “Between the doctor visits and getting him set up at Centennial Adultcare, it’s been wonderful.”

Gennifer Mann, a social worker for VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s Home-based Primary Care Team, said it’s a blessing being able to take care of Pandorf.

“He is just the sweetest little man,” Mann said. “If anyone needs to be celebrated, it’s definitely him, and we were very excited to do that and take care of him.”