WWII Vet Is Finally Made An Eagle Scout

(AP)  More than a half-century after he finished the requirements to earn the rank, an 88-year-old man was honored as an Eagle Scout, making him possibly the oldest person to ever collect the Boy Scout honor.

Walter Hart could not become an Eagle Scout at the time he earned the rank because his service in World War II got in the way.

"I've been looking forward to this for a long time," Hart, who lives in a retirement center in nearby Lehigh Acres, said Saturday.

Scout officials say he may be the oldest person to ever earn the honor.

Hart joined the Cub Scouts in 1928 and earned 23 merit badges during his years as a Boy Scout, scouting officials said. Of the 120 merit badges available, 21 must be earned to qualify for Eagle Scout rank.

It all got set aside when he joined the Navy during World War II and served two years aboard the USS Alfred A. Cunningham.

Last year, he rediscovered some of his old Boy Scout memorabilia, including documents that showed he completed the requirements for his Eagle Scout rank. He contacted the Scouts about receiving his award.

"I think this was something that was always on his mind, but every time he went to go do it, something else came up," daughter Elizabeth Gatturna said. "I know how hard he's tried to get to this point."

Only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Since 1912, nearly 1.9 million Eagles have been awarded, but the recipients' ages aren't recorded, Boy Scout officials said.

"I'd be pretty surprised if anyone older has ever become an Eagle Scout," said Margie Byers, spokeswoman for the Southwest Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America.

[aznyron-2009]

just added comment it great you can still fit in to your old boy scout uniform LOL I could not fit in to my old Navy uniform today God Bless you again

[aznyron-2009]

zip37602 there always a whinner in every crowd and you are the one in this crowd. Mr Hart Congradulations I was a boy scout sadly I never got beyon tenderfoot I also want to Thank you for your service in WW2 it is your generation that saved the world from tyranny of dictatorship I was also a Navy man but I could not hold a candle to you my friend you are a mentor to many like me God Bless you and I hope you have many healthy years a head of you

[nighthunter4]

I offer you my complete respect and wish you well in your further years to come.My son made eagle shortly before he left for college. He graduated last December and he accepted a good position with a local company. I told him to learn everything he can while he is there. He has been a wonderful son and I am sure he will persivere in his business world. We hear about the bad ones out there but they are swampped by the good ones with an education.
Nighthunter

[wolftotem-2009]

Congratulations!! And thanks for protecting our country at one of our greatest hours of need!

[healthnt]

Wonderful accomplishment and wonderful that the newspaper chose to report this. Obviously the people who are negative on this are not looking at the hard work and achievement that this person completed long ago, and how heart warming it is to know that someone took the time to make sure that he got what he deserved.

[keithle1]

This is the kind of stuff that small newspapers print. Along with "State's Biggest Watermelon"
& "Local Girl Wins Miss Pork Chops 2007."

[extremophil]

Becoming an Eagle Scout is a rare occurance that can never be equaled in a man's life. Congratulations, Mr Hart.

[karen091866]

Despite the 'black eyes' scouting has received over the past 10-15 years, it truly was amazing back when this gentleman was a scout.

Obviously, his scouting years remain memorable..and likely, helped prepare him for all the unseen aspects of like that war would expose him to.

I think this is wonderful. He worked hard to earn something..and years later, having the achievement acknowledged STILL was important to him.

His scouting experience must've been an impressive one. --and I, for on, am glad that he's now 'officially' and Eagle Scout! Congratulations, Mr. Hart!

[zip37603]

Homophobic organization! How could anyone be proud to call themselves a boy scout. I achieved that rank at 14. Looking back now, I see what the boy scouts has become--a robot generator.