Pasco High School issues posthumous diploma to World War II veteran

During the Pasco High School graduation ceremony on Friday night, World War II veteran Alfred Smith received his diploma posthumously.

• Alfred Smith was drafted out of high school to fight in World War II
• Smith died in November of last year
• His grandson made sure he received a diploma
• Alfred Smith's wife accepted his posthumous diploma

Smith was drafted while he was still in high school to serve in World War II as a private in the Army in Germany, where he earned a Bronze Star for his service, the Pasco County Schools stated.

Smith died on Nov. 14, 2016, and never finished high school. The Florida Department of Education worked with his grandson, Robert Pullen, Esq., USAF, Ret., to make sure that he received a high school diploma.

A special area was set aside on the high school field for 10 of Smith's family members. His wife, Ruth Smith, accepted his posthumous high school diploma.