North Tonawanda WWII veteran William Gosch celebrates 100th birthday

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) — On Tuesday, North Tonawanda honored a local hero, World War II veteran William Gosch, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

William Gosch joined the marines in 1942; he is now 100 years young. In celebration of the occasion, the owners of Market in the Square in North Tonawanda wanted to do something special.

“From another North Tonawanda resident and a former Marine. I just want to thank you again for your service,” said retired U. S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Brett Scheuer.

On Tuesday, city of North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec and retired Scheuer presented Gosch a poster commemorating not only the centenary of his birth, but also his service to our country.

“I've got about 125 or 130 letters in response to this. It's, I'd say, overwhelmed me," Gosch said. "I can't use another term for it. That's just the way I feel. Overwhelmed. And here we are. And today, whatever today is and it's another great experience for me.”

The piece was hung by the owners of Market in the Square for the past few weeks, allowing shoppers to show their love and appreciation for Gosch, with many leaving notes of congratulations.

“Buffalo is always supporting the community, supporting those members of the community who have done so much for them," said Market in the Square co-owner Nick Kusmierski. "So, to see a turnout, to see people signing that and with a smile on their face and a fond memory of Bill. Not surprising, but it was fantastic to see.”

“Our community is very oriented towards anyone who served our country. Anyone that's met Bill, you don't just love him because he's a World War II veteran, served our country, but he is funny and smart remembering every detail,” Tylec added.

As a marine, Gosch participated in four combat missions in the Pacific theatre — from Guadalcanal to Bougainville and Guam, all the way to Okinawa — receiving multiple medals for his service. These include Navy Marine Presidential (Distinguished) Unit Commendation Ribbon; Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal; Navy-Marine Combat Action Medal; American Campaign Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal w/4 Bronze Campaign Stars; WWII Victory Medal; WWII Honorable Discharge Button and Marine Corps Rifle Marksman Badge.

Despite all that, it's simply recognition, and gestures like this, that leave him speechless. 

“There's only one word that I can use for it: I'm overwhelmed,” Gosch said.