Al Duran has lived quite a life in his 96 years and was no stranger to adventure.
Recently, the modest World War II veteran was honored for his service with an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
At the ripe age of 16, he lied about how young he was and enlisted in the Marine Corps. One of his older brothers had just been killed fighting in Germany and Duran was eager to join the war effort.
Duran grew up in Pueblo, Colorado in a large family with seven brothers, of which six of the Duran clan served in the military, with a record that extends from World War II to the Korean War to Vietnam.
Young Soldier in WWII
While many of the Allied soldiers serving in World War II were between 18-25 years old, Duran was only 16, too young to serve, but he skewed the numbers a bit to fool recruiters.
“Like any 15, 16-year-old, I wanted to be a part of it,” he said.
Using a backdated baptism certificate and with some editing help from his sister, the pair altered Duran’s date of birth to appear older.
“I got in the Marine Corps by presenting my baptism certificate, which my older sister backdated,” he said. “The guy looked at me and said, ‘Your hard luck.’”
Duran became a Marine near the conclusion of the war, but stayed in the military for decades, serving in the Korean War and Vietnam. While he’s a decorated veteran, even close friends know little about his service time.
“He’s a really humble guy,” said his son, Michael Duran. “He doesn’t talk a whole lot about what he did and how he did it.”
Honor Flight to D.C.
After a lifetime of humble, dedicated service, it was time for Duran to be honored.
Last year, at age 95, Honor Flight of Southern Colorado helped the World War II veteran make it to Washington, D.C. to see the monuments Duran helped protect. His son, Michael, joined him on the memorable trip.
“The one thing that I was more impressed with was the willingness of guardians to take us older people around,” Duran said. “And the kindness that the flight people showed us.”
For Duran, it was well-deserved. And an emotional experience he won’t soon forget.
“Seeing people of all nationalities going and coming and then being able to treat some of those guys — welcome them home or help them get by on their wheelchairs,” he said. “I don’t know what else to think about the Greatest Generation, but I think that was it for me.”
Still Independent at 96
His life started out with humble beginnings. Some people joke that they were born in a barn. But for Duran, it’s the truth.
“I was born in a barn,” Duran told KRDO in Pueblo. “For real.”
While he’s not one to boast about his long life and accomplishments, Duran’s home is filled with family history and mementos, including black and white photos and prayer books.
“This is more of my wife’s decor,” Duran said. “I had prayer books like this.”
And he’s still quite active, even handling some of the annual landscaping work in his yard. Not bad for a 96-year-old guy.
“You can’t imagine the leaves that this place gathers,” Duran said.
While he’s still fairly independent, family members aren’t too far away to lend a helping hand.
“We help look after him, make sure he has what he needs,” his son said.
Despite rarely seeking the spotlight, friends and family are proud of Duran and glad that he’s finally getting the recognition he deserves.
To think, it all started in a barn.
