News Summary
Larry Pressley, a 98-year-old World War II veteran, was awarded the Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal in a surprise ceremony organized by his daughter. The event, attended by family and fellow Marines, celebrated his bravery during the Battle of Okinawa and the occupation of Nagasaki. Despite health risks associated with his service, Pressley, who maintains a healthy lifestyle, exemplifies resilience and community involvement. His story will also be featured in an upcoming PBS documentary, recalling the experiences of those affected by atomic testing.
Columbia, South Carolina — World War II veteran Larry Pressley, aged 98, was honored with the Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal during a ceremony on July 23, 2025. The event took place at the Richland County Wellness Center and was organized as a surprise by his daughter, Martha Pressley-Turner, in partnership with U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn.
Pressley, who is set to celebrate his 99th birthday on September 12, 2025, joined the Marines at the young age of 17 in 1944. He fought in the fierce Battle of Okinawa and later took part in the occupation of Nagasaki, having survived the atomic bombings in both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Despite the lack of awareness during that period regarding the health risks related to radiation exposure, Pressley has maintained a healthy lifestyle throughout his life.
Health and Lifestyle
At nearly 99 years old, Pressley showcases his resilience by adhering to a daily routine that includes a bagel and egg breakfast, half-mile walks, and even former pushups. Remarkably, he has not experienced any significant health issues from his time in Nagasaki, except for a piece of shrapnel long ago lodged in his thumb. Following his service in World War II, Pressley also participated in the Korean War.
A Life Beyond the Military
After the wars, Pressley moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he established a bakery and utilized his culinary skills by teaching cooking classes. Eventually, he returned to Columbia to be closer to his daughter after the death of his second wife. He remains an active member of the community and is described by his family as stubborn yet fit, embodying an appreciation for life and resilience.
The Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal
The Defense Department initiated the Atomic Veterans Commemorative Service Medal in 2022 to honor veterans like Pressley who were directly impacted by atomic testing during their military service. Over fifty attendees, including family, friends, and fellow Marines, were present at the medal award ceremony to celebrate Pressley’s accomplishments and contributions to the nation.
Survival and Recognition
As of 2024, it is reported that only around 66,000 of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive. Pressley’s perseverance and story are highlighted in the upcoming PBS documentary titled “Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories of World War II,” which is set to debut on August 1, 2025, further sharing the experiences of those, like Pressley, who lived through these significant historical events.
This honor not only serves to recognize Pressley’s sacrifices and service but also emphasizes the importance of remembering the lives of veterans who have shaped history. The ceremony stands as a reminder of the realities faced by soldiers and the lasting effects of war on their lives and health.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: World War II Veteran Honored
- 939 The Eagle: 100-Year-Old Columbia WWII Veteran Honored
- ABC Columbia: PBS Documentary on WWII Atomic Veterans
- Cola Daily: Remains of Columbia Soldier Killed in WWII Identified
- WNEP: WWII Weekend Kicks Off in Columbia County
- Wikipedia: World War II
- Google Search: World War II Veterans
- Google Scholar: WWII Veterans Health
- Encyclopedia Britannica: World War II
- Google News: World War II Veterans
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
