WWII vet celebrates 100th birthday

Ken Mar, a World War II veteran, turned 100 on Thursday, celebrating with members of the Gung Ho American Legion in Sacramento. The event recognized his service as one of roughly 20,000 Chinese Americans who fought in the war.

Previously honored at Sacramento’s 2024 Fourth of July Parade for his contributions, he received praises from fellow veterans. “Ken is a good representative of Chinese Americans who served for our country, especially in World War II,” legion member Freeman Lee told KCRA.

Drafted at 18 into the 2nd Infantry Division, Mar served in France during the war. There, he experienced close calls and witnessed others’ deaths during combat. “I saw that bullet hit right away in his head, and his helmet just popped right up. It was an awful-looking sight,” he told KCRA, recalling a fellow soldier’s death. He received the Congressional Gold Medal, Bronze Star and France’s Legion of Honor for his service.

When asked about his longevity, Mar shared his philosophy, “Well, just don’t worry.”