BRADENTON, Fla. — Every new year, we move a little further from World War II and lose more of the veterans that served. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jules Hagen is celebrating his 104th birthday

  • Jules served in WWII as a Command Engineer in the Air Force

  • According to the National World War II Museum, less than 1% of the 16.4 million Americans who served during World War II are still with us today

According to the National World War II Museum, less than 1% of the 16.4 million Americans who served during World War II are still with us today.

However, there are still veterans like Jules Hagen hitting big milestones. Hagen is now 104 years old. 

“I feel pretty good,” he said. “I’ve had a good life, very unusual. I’ve been trained funny.” 

In his free time, Hagen likes to solve puzzles, sometimes spending a few days on each one. 

It’s quite different from the nearly four years he spent in the Air Force. 

“They took me to a pressure chamber, took me to 28,000 feet, and I passed out,” he said. “Had a doctor talk to me and I did it again. It took me to 26,000 feet, and I started going out again. He says, ‘You’re ground duty only.’” 

Once he realized he couldn’t spend his time in the air, he served as a Command Engineer. 

Scrolling through his book full of memories from his time serving, every picture is a flashback.  

“It’s got everything. It’s beautiful,” he said. “It’s got all the generals, and you got Colonel Bowman in here.”

Pulling up a picture of himself, he has some words of wisdom for that young man. 

“Do what they tell you in the service,” he said. “Don’t argue with them.”