Hampton VA and VFW celebrate WWII veteran’s 100th birthday
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HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — A World War II veteran is celebrating his 100th birthday.
Calvin Winston Barnes miraculously survived two sinking naval vessels during WWII. His wife, Gale, credits his love of swimming for saving his life — and helping him live as long as he has.
The Barnes couple kicked off the weekend celebration with a party at the Hampton History Museum last Friday.
Several leaders, including Mayor Donnie Tuck and Rep. Bobby Scott, joined the birthday party. The longtime representative shared a letter of appreciation for the first-class Navy sailor.
I was fortunate to be able to attend the 100th Birthday Celebration today for Mr. Calvin Winston Barnes, who miraculously survived two sinking Naval Vessels during his service to our nation during World War II pic.twitter.com/FHWYaS0XdL
— Rep. Bobby Scott (@BobbyScott) February 3, 2024
On Saturday, the VFW in Phoebus held a birthday celebration and parade for the WWII veteran along Mellen Street. Barnes was showered with gifts, including a quit of valor.
“The food was outstanding,” said Gale Barnes. “The people were so loving, with neighbors there and family. He had family come from North Carolina and South Carolina. I was just so thankful for all the grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He was very blessed.”
Barnes told 10 On Your Side he survived two NAVY vessels sinking — the USS Erie in December 1942 and the USS Brownson.
“The Erie was a gunboat. We ran onto the beach,” said Calvin Barnes.
A year later, Barnes was on the USS Brownson in 1943, when it was hit and had to swim to safety.
“The Japanese planes … were coming,” said Calvin Barnes. “… They bombed in here. I was back here. I jumped in the water.”
He was able to swim a long distance before being rescued, his wife said. Sadly,108 crew members did not survive.
“It’s very sad him losing his buddies,” Gale Barnes said.
After serving in the Navy, he served his community as a firefighter on Fort Monroe.
“[He has been] Serving people other than himself all the way through,” Gale Barnes said.
Gale Barnes credits his love of swimming for saving his life during the war and keeping him healthy to see his 100th birthday. She said he swam nearly everyday until he had a stroke at 95.
“He was a swimmer,” Gale Barnes said. “He does not take hardly any medications.”
She believes he is here for special reason!
“Thank you Lord for keeping him,” she said. “… For me. “
There is another private birthday dinner celebration scheduled later this week.
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