A veteran was posthumously honored in Bridgeport Saturday for his heroic service during World War II.

In 1941, Ernest Cook, a Bassick High School graduate, headed off to the Army and served in France, Austria and Japan.

After the war, he became a sign painter. He was married to his wife for 68 years.

"I had a very wonderful life with him and my family because he always felt family was first and there was no problem he wouldn't try to solve," said his wife, Irene.

State and local leaders, as well as Cook’s family were on hand for Saturday’s ceremony.

Cook passed away in March. He would have turned 99 on June 11.