His olive green commendation-heavy uniform accented, most appropriately, by an American flag motif mask that covered his face, Adolph Cordova was the picture of subdued respect.

To his right, were brothers in arms from all service branches, uniformed and standing at rapt attention.

Family members, from children to seniors, filled the yard of Cordova’s humble Lombard Village home, as did friends and neighbors.

All joined, in due time, by a colorful and boisterous caravan 100 vehicles strong.

From motorcycles to muscle cars to high-riding off-roaders, the procession passed directly in front of Cordova, who frequently rose from the comfort of his shaded chair to salute the entourage.

"Happy birthday, Mr. Cordova," called out one young man through a public address speaker. "And thank you for your service."

"Much respect, sir," offered another.

Similar wishes flowed unabated, complemented by a litany of horn blasts and engine revs.

"That’s a lot of cars," Cordova was heard to softly utter.

"Yes," a family member responded. "And they are all here for you."

In typical humility, Cordova seemed surprised.

"For me?" he replied.

"Yes. Because it’s your 100th birthday."

On Friday, the day he celebrated a century on earth, Cordova was gifted with a reception worthy of a decorated World War II Army veteran who saw action in the Pacific and Europe and earned five Bronze Stars in the process.

At the request of Cordova’s son Leonard, who like his brother followed his father into the military, the Pueblo Veterans Ritual Team, with a helping hand from the veterans, car club and law enforcement communities, organized the private parade and congratulatory gathering that followed.

From St. Joseph Church, the expansive caravan — escorted by a Pueblo County sheriff’s office SUV — traveled west to Cordova’s home to pay tribute to a man whose service to his country was followed by a lifetime of service to his fellow man and woman.

"I’ve known Mr. Cordova since I was a little boy," said the Rev. Paul Montoya, among the first to travel through the yard in his sleek classic pickup truck. "He lived on the West Side and always helped everyone there. He always made sure that if someone was hungry, he would feed them.

"Just a really good, really humble man. And when I spoke to him last week, he was just so energetic and happy that this was going to happen."

Although Cordova spoke little of his military experience to his family, the Bronze Stars, and the "Sharpshooter" and "rifle" medals that grace his uniform jacket, offer silent but compelling testimony that the soldier did more than his part to rid the world of the Axis evil.

"The only story my dad would always tell us is that he was there when General Patton died," Leonard Cordova said. "That he was right behind him when that Jeep wrecked and the general was killed."

A native of Walsenburg, Cordova moved to Pueblo in 1968, where he raised a family and worked as a painter at the Pueblo Ordnance Depot for 35 years before retiring.

Although he is battling age as well as Alzheimer’s, Cordova remains devoted to his family, the Denver Broncos and his extended circle of friends.

He is a man of few words, but when he does speak, the result is golden.

"Fine and dandy, like a piece of candy," he said when asked his feeling on reaching the century mark.

Many of those who passed through Cordova’s yard were relatives, friends and at least acquaintances, as witnessed by the jubilant greetings they shouted in his direction.

"Hi Mr. Cordova," said one woman as she handed him an enveloped card. "You worked with my uncle Sam Vigil at the depot. Happy birthday."

Others, however, had never before set eyes upon the decorated soldier, which family members found especially touching.

"It makes me so emotional seeing all the people that came out," said Monique Cordova, the centenarian’s daughter. "I don’t know more than half of these people. It’s just a blessing that they would take the time to come out and honor a 100-year-old veteran this way."

In addition to the bevy of well wishes, cards and gifts, Cordova received a spiritual endowment in the form of a special blessing from Father Joe Garcia of St. Joseph Church.

As the last vehicle made its way out of the yard, members of the Pueblo Veterans Ritual team presented Cordova with a slate of gifts, including a ball cap and a "Proud World War II Veteran" T-shirt.

Like Father Garcia’s blessing, Cordova accepted the offerings with unspoken gratitude.

"What an outstanding turnout," said ret. Army Col. John Saenz, a ritual team leader. "It was a great honor for him. We don’t have a lot of World War II vets left, so we want to honor them while we still can."

jpompia@chieftain.com

Twitter: @jpompia