A 100-year-old American World War II veteran plans to marry his 96-year-old fiancee in France as part of that country’s 80th anniversary celebration of D-Day, AP reported on Sunday.
Terens is set to receive recognition from the French in June as part of their 80th anniversary commemoration of the country’s liberation from Nazi occupation. Following this honor, he intends to tie the knot with the lively 96-year-old Swerlin in a town close to the shores where U.S. forces landed during the war.
“I love this woman – she’s truly remarkable,” Terens expressed fondly, reflecting on his relationship with Swerlin, which began back in 2021. Demonstrating their shared passion for dancing, they recently indulged in youthful gyrations to the beats of “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars, evoking the spirit of teenage revelry.
“He’s an incredible man, truly incredible,” Swerlin remarked. “His love for me is immense, and he doesn’t hesitate to show it.”
“And goodness, he’s an exceptional kisser,” she added with a laugh.
Both widowed, the couple hails from New York City, with Swerlin originating from Brooklyn and Terens from the Bronx. They often chuckle about their disparate experiences during World War II. While Swerlin was a high school student, dating soldiers who bestowed upon her war mementos like dog tags, knives, and even a firearm in attempts to impress her, Terens enlisted in 1942 and was deployed to Great Britain the following year. There, he served as a radio repair technician attached to a P-47 Thunderbolt fighter squadron comprising four pilots, all of whom, tragically, perished during the war.
On the historic day of D-Day – June 6, 1944 – Terens was occupied with repairing planes returning from France, ensuring they could swiftly rejoin the fray. He recalls the grim toll of that day, with half of his squadron’s pilots meeting their end. Twelve days later, Terens found himself in France, aiding in the transportation of newly captured Germans and liberated American POWs back to England. His recollections paint a stark contrast between the jubilant Germans, assured of their survival, and the American soldiers, who bore the physical and psychological scars of Nazi captivity endured over months and even years.
