Simon Bandzi Sr., Slatington, is celebrating his 90th birthday. He was born in Czechoslovakia on Feb. 12, 1923.

He served in World War II under Gen. Patton and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He received a number of combat medals and ribbons, including: Certificate of Merit in the European Theater of Operations, United States Army; American Campaign Medal; Army of Occupation Medal; and a Good Conduct Medal.His battles and campaigns included Rhineland, Northern France, Normandy and Ground Combat.Simon married Veronica Papay on Feb. 1, 1947. They were married for 63 years, until death in August of 2010.The couple had four children: Simon Bandzi Jr., and his wife, Karen, of Walnutport; Steve Bandzi and his wife, Dona, of Slatington; Maria Kichline and her husband, Donald, of Slatington; and the late Veronica Lehman, who was married to Ed Lehman of Slatington.Simon has six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.He is a life member of VFW Post 3448, Mt. Pocono; and Slatington Skeet Club, Slatington.