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ST. GEORGE — It would be easy to mistake Wally Humphreys for Audie Murphy or James Doolittle.
Humphreys, a St. George resident since 1993, flew dangerous combat and medical missions in three different wars, was a sheriff's deputy in Weber County and taught the next generation of service members in the National Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.
Except Wally did one thing most American World War II heroes did not do: he made it to his 100th birthday.
Friends and family gathered at the Rib & Chop House Restaurant on Saturday evening to eat and celebrate Humphreys' 100th birthday.
"I never dreamed it would be like this," Humphreys told St. George News, noting that dear friends and family from around the state surprised him with the celebration. "I really didn't expect all these people."
Humphreys flew combat missions in World War II and Korea, then switched to medical helicopters in Vietnam, where he flew wounded soldiers off the line. Throughout his time in Vietnam, he rescued 87 service members.
"All together I was 34 years wearing the uniform," Humphreys said.
