100-year-old World War II veteran Dr. Maury Irvine was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Thursday morning in Bozeman. Born in San Francisco in 1924 and later moving to Montana, Irvine graduated from Butte High in 1941. Despite his legal blindness in his left eye, which prevented him from joining the Navy, he found a way to serve his country during WW2.
Unable to join the Navy, Irvine became a radio operator for the Merchant Marines, where he used his love for radios and experience as a radio officer to make significant contributions. He served with the Merchant Marines until 1946 and expressed great enjoyment and appreciation for his time there.
Congressman and Navy SEAL veteran Ryan Zinke recognized Irvine’s courage during the war and his significant achievements post-war by presenting him with the Congressional Gold Medal. Other notable recipients of this award include Sir Winston Churchill and George Washington. The honor held great significance for Irvine, who shared his feelings of awe and overwhelming appreciation for it.
