Decorated World War II veteran John Gutbrod’s cache of honors now includes one from the Surf City Borough Council, which on the occasion of his centennial birthday celebrated and honored the borough resident for his life achievements.

“We all appreciate what you’ve done,” Mayor Francis Hodgson said. “We’re very proud of your service.”

Gutbrod, a first-generation American who fought against at least one German cousin in the European theatrer during the war, joked he would have jumped without a parachute for the extra pay. At the time, paratroopers received $50 more a month in pay.

“Just remember, I was one of a million,” Gutbrod said in response to the praise lavished upon him during the Oct.