NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. — Family and friends gathered to celebrate local World War II Veteran Bill Gosch.
He turned 100 on December 8 and they held his birthday party at the Knights of Columbus in North Tonawanda on December 9.
Gosch fought in WWII over 80 years ago.
"All I do is try to be a good guy. Treat others like you would have them treat you. That's kind of be straight level honest. Don't smoke. Quit drinking. Never drank much, never smoked much," Gosch said.
The Marine Corp Veteran served in four combat missions. He was also decorated with eight different medals that he was awarded during World War II, but had never received.
Rishi Sharma interviewed Gosch for his YouTube channel called Remember WWII nearly two years ago. The video now has over 1.3 million views on YouTube.
Susan Gosch, Bill's daughter, said the past few years have been a roller coaster ride for the family. Gosch has built a following since the viral YouTube video and now gets letters from around the world thanking him for his service and asking for his autograph.
"When he first started he had words to express his joy, but now he is just overwhelmed. He didn't expect this and he always says, 'I am overwhelmed.' He will say that tomorrow and whenever you talk to him again," she said.
If you would like to reach out to Gosch to wish him happy 100th birthday or thank him for his service, you can send him a message here:
Remember WWII
C/O William Gosch
P.O. BOX 245
Collierville, TN 30827