Buck Wilfong had no idea about the reception that was awaiting him at Glendale High School on Monday.

The 96 year-old World War II veteran volunteered for the Naval Reserve at the age of 19 and became part of the merchant marines, a little known but highly dangerous job during the war that involved delivering all kinds of military supplies and equipment to combat zones.

Because the supply ships were not armed for battle, they were highly susceptible to attacks, and the merchant marines had the highest rate of casualties of any service branch with 1 out of every 26 members losing their life.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt called their mission "The most difficult and dangerous job ever undertaken" and Buck was one of the fortunate survivors.

"I had some good buddies that died," Wilfong said. "And I wondered why God let me get by without a scratch."

On Monday Cletis L. (Buck) Wilfong (who got his nickname in the fourth grade when a friend chose him for a pick-up baseball game because he was as fast as a deer)was greeted by the Glendale band playing "You're a Grand Old Flag" and a standing ovation from 1,200 high school students who showed their respect for a man they didn't know and a war they only knew from history lessons.

To say Buck was surprised as he was escorted into the gym was an understatement.

"I wondered what the heck was going on," he said with a laugh. "I thought it was just going to be a bunch of guys sitting around drinking coffee and having a doughnut."

"He didn't have any idea the surprises or the magnitude and so I just told him that our young people just need to hear his story," said Glendale teacher Julie Wead, who originally had the idea of inviting Buck to just speak to her history class. But the idea kept growing to include the entire student body and awarding him several civic honors.

As Buck told his story to the students, they sat quietly and respectively seemingly understanding the importance of what Wilfong and all those who served in the war accomplished in keeping our country free.

"Everybody seemed emotionally touched by it," said Glendale sophomore Grace Slayden. "It kinda brought history to life for us."

"Most of our assemblies people are on their phones and aren't paying attention," added fellow sophomore Lydia Potter. "This assembly everyone was paying attention and was really quiet."

"Most of the students at Glendale high school today have never heard a World War II veteran talk before and most of them will never hear it again," Wead said of the fact that 370 World War II veterans die every day. The younger veterans are now over 90 years-old while the older ones are over 100.

Buck got a little emotional as he recalled the war, saying at one point "We may have to take a break for me to cry awhile."

But he broke into a smile as the tributes kept coming. Mayor Ken McClure proclaimed Monday "Buck Wilfong Appreciation Day" in Springfield and there was also recognition from U.S. senator Roy Blunt and the Missouri House of Representatives.

Buck got a beautiful hand-crafted quilt from the Glendale band and also received a merchant marine victory medal he was supposed to get 50 years ago when he got out of the service.

But perhaps most touching was that a man who only made it through the 8th grade was made an honorary graduate in the Glendale senior class of 2019, part of an outpouring of love that Buck just couldn't quite comprehend.

"I can't believe these folks would do this kind of stuff for me," he said. "I don't deserve anybody walking the block to see me. I'm just flabbergasted."

"I think any true soldier feels like they aren't a hero," Wead added. "But this is the greatest generation that changed our world and they are absolutely deserving of any recognition that we can give them."