World War 1 Veteran Shares His Close Encounter With A German Sniper

More Than Luck, Perhaps?

This 107-year old veteran William J. Lake thinks it’s luck that saved him from being shot by a German sniper. It’s a very interesting and fascinating story actually and it’s definitely something you’d tell your grandchildren. And need we mention he looks great at his age? Still pretty sharp too! He was awarded with France’s highest military honor in 2000 — the National Order of the Legion of Honor. Unfortunately, he passed away just a few months after this interview due to complications from pneumonia.

Mr. Lake was 22 when he was drafted into the Army on Oct. 4, 1917. He served as a private in the 91st Infantry Division and as a machine gun ammunition transporter for the 346th Machine Gun Battalion. He fought in the Meuse-Argonne Forest in France and Belgium in the winter of 1918.

For how many decades, he has witnessed, experienced and lived through so many wars. He deserves much respect.