ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — During the pomp and circumstance of the Robertsdale High graduation, it would have been easy to miss the gentleman in the maroon cap and gown seated next to the podium. Was he a teacher? An former graduate come for the fun? Why was he there?

When Herman Wing was called up to receive his diploma from principal Theresa Bryant, the entire student body gave him a standing ovation.

Who was this man?

“I grew up around Styx River,” said Wing. “I dropped out around eighth grade. I guess I was bored with school.”

Wing joined the Navy in 1944, and rose to become a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He was awarded his high school diploma, a few years late, during graduation exercises May 13. Wing was eligible for a high school diploma under a program called “Operation Recognition” that allows honorably discharged veterans Inducted into military service between Sept. 16, 1940, and Dec. 31, 1946 the chance to receive a high school diploma.

Just because he had left school, Wing says, didn’t mean that the Navy was through educating him.

“I was a radioman. The Navy sent me to lots of schools, and I think I was told I had earned the equivalent of an associates’s degree in electronics.”

During World War II, Wing was part of a “CUB Unit,” a unit that protected “Seabee” (Construction Battalion) units in the Philippines.

“The construction guys didn’t have a lot of training,” said Wing. “We provided security.”

After leaving the Navy, Wing joined the office of the Inspector General, and was responsible for inspecting naval communication offices.

He and his wife, Marilyn, have three children and now live in Virginia.

So, why look for a diploma now?

“My three kids are wonderful,” said Wing. They all finished school, and were wondering what happened to me.”

Curious, Wing decided to check on his classmates, and learned of the diploma program.

“I would have graduated from Robertsdale High School with the Class of ‘47, I think.”

Today, Wing is enjoying retirement, and says he’s a “Ham” radio operator. He’s relieved that life keeps him in one place instead of the constant moving that comes with military life.

“I just like to find some code,” said Wing. “This whole experience has been a pleasure.”