Ralph Osterhoudt, a veteran of the Second World War, is turning 99 years old. Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino issued a proclamation for his birthday, celebrating him as a lifelong Dutchess resident and tireless advocate of veterans' issues.

Osterhoudt fought at the Battle of the Bulge and was one of the first liberators of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

He was awarded three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and the French Medal of Honor for his service.

He said that he remains active and outspoken about vets' issues in memory of the men he served alongside in World War II who didn’t make it home.