Thomas Merman of Nesquehoning is celebrating his 95th birthday.

Tom was born on March 9, 1922, to Andrew and Helen Merman of Nesquehoning. He was the husband of Helen Babinetz Merman for 53 years. He has a son, Thomas of Bethlehem; grandchildren, Adriana of Buxton, Maine, and Thomas of King of Prussia; and a great-granddaughter, London Rose.Tom was inducted into the United States Army in 1942 and served the country in World War II. Tech Sgt. Merman was assigned to the European Theater and participated in enemy engagements in five major campaigns, one being the Battle of the Bulge outside of Bastogne, Belgium. At the end of the war he was assigned to Berchesgarten, the famed Eagle's Nest retreat of Hitler. He was discharged Dec. 7, 1945.His favorite job was in the mines where he worked as a blaster and also walked his mule "Bob" underground from Nesquehoning to Hacklebernie.Tom's greatest joy is the outdoors, being an avid hunter of all game and in all kinds of weather.He has a great interest in current events and follows it all in the newspaper and on television.He has a vivid memory of the events in his life and has many tales to tell anyone who will listen.