Richard Overton turned 112 years old Friday, making him the oldest living veteran in the United States, reports The Statesman.

From his porch in East Austin, Texas, the celebrated WWII veteran greets passersby with a smile as he smokes a big cigar.

“I love to have a birthday,” Overton told The Statesman. “That’s another day. I hope I live another five years.”

Overton was born in 1906 in a time marked by an extreme racial animus and lynching. He went on to serve in the armed forces in the Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1945 as part of the all-black 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion.

Racism and segregation in the U.S. was one thing but fighting the Japanese in the Pacific was a new type of hell. When he returned back to America, he built a home where he's lived for more than 70 years.

“He’s like a gift to Austin that keeps giving,” said his friend Steve Wiener. “He’s a crackerjack. When people sense his humor and playfulness, it just lightens everyone’s step.”

Richard Overton is an American treasure. Happy 112th Birthday! https://t.co/6APEdiobjh
pic.twitter.com/mzUpHltPtV

— CBS Austin (@cbsaustin) May 11, 2018

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RICHARD OVERTON! The nation's oldest veteran is now believed to be the oldest man in America too! He spoke to @CaseyOnFOX7 & shared his thoughts on his 112th birthday! pic.twitter.com/SLurwdEHur

— FOX 7 Austin (@fox7austin) May 11, 2018

Over the past few years, Overton has received national attention for his service, and he's considered one of the three oldest people in the world.

There's a mural in his honor in Austin, a street bears his name and he met former Secretary of State Colin Powell when had a private tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Many reports claim that he's the oldest living person in America as well.

Family members have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help him get the 24-hour home care. As of this report, 5,190 people have donated $249,111 of the $400,000 goal in 16 months. Overton has no plans of slowing down.

He told Fox 7 News that he has no pains, no aches, and he feels good.

Oldest living veteran

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