FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Kenneth "Rock" Merritt is a legend in the 82nd Airborne Division.

  • Did two combat jumps during service
  • Will be inducted into Division's Hall of Fame
  • Ceremony held May 23 at Fort Bragg

He's nearly 95 years old and during his service during World War II, he made two combat jumps with the Division, including the one at D-Day at Normandy.

Next week, "Rock" Merritt will be inducted along with 20 other people as the first members of the 82nd Airborne Division Hall of Fame. He says that he's humbled by this. 

"These are my troops, they're doing an outstanding job. They're carrying on the traditions that we set for them. And I appreciate it. And I just want to come down here and tell these young soldiers what a good job they're doing," Merritt said.

That Hall of Fame ceremony happens next Wednesday morning at 10 at Fort Bragg.

Other inductees in this inaugural group include: Sgt. Alvin C. York, Medal of Honor recipient from World War I, and Division Commanders and Generals James Garvin, Matthew Ridgeway and Dan McNeill.