ENGLEWOOD — Art Nicholas’ 100th year has been an eventful one.
It started a year ago, on Feb. 15, 2023, when his family and friends in the Oak Forest neighborhood threw a party to celebrate his 100th birthday.
But following that big day were honors and recognitions Nicholas never expected — like being saluted by the top commanders of the U.S. Special Forces for his service to his country 70 years ago.
And becoming an honorary U.S. Navy SEAL as a centenarian.
Nicholas’ story with the U.S. Navy began prior to World War II, in the days before the Navy elite SEALs fighting force existed.
Growing up in Lansing, Michigan, he enlisted in the service and completed his basic training at the Naval Station Great Lakes.
He hadn’t been in the Navy long when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, bringing the United States into the war.
But while thousands of his fellow sailors and Marines were sent to the Pacific to fight the Japanese, the Navy had other plans for Nicholas.
SCOUTS AND RANGERS