HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Simon Gurdal celebrated his 100th birthday Sunday at the Elks Lodge in Hendersonville, surrounded by friends and family.
Gurdal was just 17 when he joined Belgium’s Brigade Piron to fight alongside the Allies during World War II. He was wounded during the war, telling News 13, “On my way back, a German sniper shot me with his machine gun. I got a bullet in my hand and a bullet in my foot.”
Now living in Hendersonville, Gurdal marked his milestone birthday with music and dancing.
When asked if he was used to being 100, he joked, “I’m still here. I’m 99—no, I’m 100!”
Some family members traveled from Belgium for the celebration.
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On Nov. 8, 2026, World War II veteran Simon Gurdal celebrated his 100th birthday in Hendersonville, North Carolina. (Photo credit: WLOS Staff)
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“My reaction is fantastic. I mean, 100 years. It’s unbelievable. Unbelievable," Gurdal's nephew, Bernard Bleus, said.
Friends also wondered about Gurdal’s secret to a long life.
His friend and neighbor Connor Ruben offered one possibility: “He doesn’t drink water. He just drinks scotch and soda. Not all the time, but I think that might help a little bit.”
Gurdal had his own lighthearted take: “I’ve been 100 for the past two hours—so I don’t know yet.”