SCOUTING REPORT | Last of the WWII vets, Legion’s top educator, Dell Rapids service award, SDSU lunar rover

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The Bryant American Legion Post 0037 recognized Gerald Dede as the last surviving Hamlin County World War II veteran. Dede, 101, has been a member of the post for 75 years. He was recognized by fellow post members at the Avantara nursing home in Clark, where he now resides.

Prior to the war, Dede had been going to welding school in Sioux City, but he was drafted into the Army during the war. His grandson, School and Public Lands Commissioner Brock Greenfield, tells Scouting Report that Dede served in northern Africa and Italy. He entered the Army as a private and left as a noncommissioned officer.

Upon returning from the war, Dede farmed in Hamlin County with his wife, Ardell. His longevity was recognized on his 100^th birthday by Gov. Kristi Noem, who proclaimed Oct. 19, 2022, Gerald Dede Day. Unfortunately, his wife, Ardell, whom he married in 1947, died two months earlier.

During last year’s Veterans Day ceremony, Dede told Dakota News Now: “I feel good. Still got all my marbles. I took my driver’s test here about a couple of weeks ago. I passed that examination, so I can drive five more years.”

Dede’s daughter – Brock’s mother – Lana, served eight years in the Legislature.