CHUBBUCK — Surrounded by family members, friends and acquaintances in the dining hall at Grace Assisted Living, a local veteran celebrated his 100th birthday on Wednesday and reflected on a century of life experiences.

Rexford Rovig, who was nearing his 21st birthday at the time, was an Army scout and rifleman on the front lines of World War II and lived through some of the most dangerous and intense battles of the Pacific theater.

Rovig was a survivor of the battle of Saipan, one of the most critically important islands for the United States military to take control of during World War II. Rovig was part of the second wave to initially reach Saipan, his regiment wading through neck deep water and bravely traversing the dangerous island.

During the battle he was sent out with a patrol ahead of the rest of his company and found the enemy airport vacated.

As the battle continued, the U.S. military drove the remaining Japanese forces to the edge of the island and Rovig was injured by a mortar or artillery shell that exploded and damaged his lower left leg. Thankfully, the injury was not serious and did not have any lasting detrimental effects.

Rovig, formerly of Blackfoot, would take part in many other Pacific campaigns, including Okinawa and Iwo Jima, two of the bloodiest battles fought against Japan.

Fighting through starvation, sleep deprivation and against an enemy which often outnumbered his outfit, the Army’s 27th Infantry Division, Rovig survived these devastating battles and would be numbered among the lucky ones to see the end of the war. His company would receive a distinguished unit citation for its combat efforts during the battle of Saipan with Rovig receiving a Purple Heart because of his leg wound.

“I served because I was asked to serve, and I met a lot of good people,” Rovig said. “During the war, we never learned the last name of our soldiers in the branch that I was in. They were good people, nice people, but last names we didn’t know — there were too many who had passed away.”

Some eight decades after his World War II experiences, Rovig was surrounded on Wednesday by his loving family, close personal friends and everyone who has been inspired by his story and heroism. The meeting hall at Grace Assisted Living was decorated with red, white and blue balloons in Rovig’s honor. There was a birthday cake complete with toy soldiers and fake barbed wire, and Rovig was presented with one of his favorite meals — biscuits and gravy.

After comments from chaplain David Bowen detailing some of Rovig’s accomplishments during the war, including him saving the life of an injured soldier and rescuing a tank unit on Okinawa, Rovig was treated to a parade outside Grace Assisted Living that featured other Purple Heart recipients, friends and family members. The parade showcasing an assortment of classic and vintage cars was greatly appreciated by Rovig and the crowd that had assembled for his birthday festivities.

Reaching the century mark afforded Rovig the opportunity to reflect on his life.

“I’ve pretty well enjoyed seeing new things in different areas and meeting some of the people in those places,” Rovig said. “I just did the ordinary things, I guess, nothing special. My memory isn’t that good, but I’ve been active and fortunate that I have been able to travel.”

After the war Rovig enjoyed playing racquetball, handball and baseball. He attributes his good health and wellbeing to his adherence to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“I didn’t drink and smoke, even in the Army,” Rovig said. “I’ve stayed busy.”

Outside of the places he visited while in the Army, Rovig has spent time vacationing in South America and Africa.

Rovig, whose wife died in 2015, also owned and operated a gas station for 40 years, using the money he earned there to put his children through college and to provide a good life for him and his family.

“I’m a fortunate man,” Rovig said. “I started from the poorest of poor and I guess I was successful in my achievements in life. We live in a good country and I like the area where we live. I was fortunate to represent the United States in World War II.”