World War II hero turns 100
JENNINGS — Local decorated war hero Amadia Broussard, one of the last survivors of the greatest generation, celebrated his 100th birthday Monday with family and friends at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings.
Broussard, who was personally awarded the National Order of the Legion last month by Vincent Sciama, consul general of France, for his heroism during the allied invasion of Europe during World War II, enjoyed the attention of the day and even snuck in a dance or two with the staff.
Dementia has taken much away from the World War II Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient but caregivers say he still enjoys entertaining staff by doing the jitter bug in his wheelchair and blowing kisses.
“The whole staff of Unit 3 and the facility are extremely proud to take care of Mr. Amadia,” nurse Dori Gilder said. “We love and care for him and we love his kisses and his jitter bug.”
Caregiver Norma Kelly said Broussard is “a happy-go-lucky person and I admire him.”
Broussard’s son Norman of Tellico, Tenn., said his father worked all of his life.
“He took care and provided for his family,” he said.
The second to the oldest of his siblings, Amadia Broussard is the only surviving member of the family.
Norman Broussard said his father returned home from the military to study under the GI Bill and learned to be a mechanic, which he did for the rest of his life.
“He’s been very healthy and never been sick a day in his life and he ate anything he wanted,” Norman Broussard said.
Norman Broussard said his father was proud of his military service.
The Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home has been Amadia Broussard’s home for the last three-and-a-half years, daughter Faye Adams of Welsh said.
“This is home to him and he really loves it,” she said.
Amadia Broussard enlisted in the Army in November 1942. He completed his basic training at Camp Adair in Oregon and was deployed to Europe in August 1944.
During the next 10 months, Amadia Broussard served in battles and campaigns in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe as a member of Company G, 415th Infantry Regiment.
He was wounded on Nov. 4, 1944, during combat in Holland and received the Purple Heart. He also earned the Combat Infantry Badge, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Easter Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
He was honorably discharged from the Army on Nov. 8, 1945.
‘He’s been very healthy and never been sick a day in his life and he ate anything he wanted.’
Norman Broussard
Son of Amadia Broussard
World War II Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Amadia Broussard celebrated his 100th birthday Monday, July 23, 2018 with family and friends at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings.