104-year-old veteran honored in Schaumburg

SCHAUMBURG (WLS) -- A 104-year-old Army veteran of World War II was honored Monday in Schaumburg.

Perched in his wheelchair, Chester Grzybowski also paid respects to fallen heroes and veterans during a ceremony.

He happily told stories of life on the battlefield in the South Pacific, where he was stationed at New Guinea island. But preferred to talk about the time he met Al Capone in the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Chicago.

"He reached into his pocket and a handful of change and throws it on the ground and says ok, go ahead to a show," he said.

Then, gave a few pearls of wisdom.

"Take pride in your freedom to vote," Grzybowski said. "Always love one another. That's the secret."

Grzybowski turns 105 on June 27 and the Memorial Day ceremony included an early birthday celebration with cake.

"Only the guy up there can tell you how long I'm going to live," he said.

Grzybowski is one of the oldest living veterans in Illinois.

Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates lost 89 veterans since Memorial Day last year. They were all honored on Monday.