A 102-year-old veteran has died on the 80th anniversary flight to Normandy

He was on his way to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, but was unable to make it, and died en route.

A US Navy veteran of World War II missed the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings in France, and breathed his last just before it arrived.

Robert “Al” Pericetti, of Rochester, New York, was airlifted to a hospital in Germany on May 30 after suffering a medical emergency on a ship bound for Europe. He died the next day.

Mr. Persichetti, by whom most people remember him “A great and humble man” Participated in the Allied operation in Japan.

Honor Flight, a non-profit organization that helps transport former American soldiers to memorials to the wars in which Robert participated, confirmed his death on social media and said that “He served his country bravely without hesitation.”

The 102-year-old veteran was selected to attend the event in Normandy by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, which paid for and organized the trip. He himself was looking forward to the trip.

“I’m really excited to go. My cardiologist allowed it too,” he told WROC-TV the day before he left.

Al DiCarlo, who served with Robert in Japan, was with him on the trip.

She added: “The doctor was with him… He calmed down and was comfortable, and he did not die alone.”

The veteran was also a former teacher. In April, students at a local school helped organize a birthday party in his honor.

Information from BBC