On February 14th, 2022, Albert L. LeGault, longtime resident of Minnesota, will be celebrating his 100th birthday. How appropriate that Grandpa Al shares his birthday on a day we celebrate love. For all of us lucky to know Al, he is known as one of the most kind, supportive, loving, and community minded people there is.
What a lot of people don't know about Al is that he is a decorated WWII veteran. He is a proud member of the legendary 13th Air Force, 307th Bombardment Group, Long Rangers. Al is a true hero who took part in some of the most dangerous missions in the war and is also an accomplished artist and photographer who documented his time overseas in vivid photos and art. For years Grandpa Al kept his time in the war to himself, not talking about what he experienced due to modesty and not wanting to relive the memories. Over time he has opened up and shared his experiences so we can all learn from his time deployed to the Southwest Pacific Area. S/Sgt. Albert L. LeGault, 371st Bombardment Squadron, is currently being celebrated by the 307th Bombardment Group (H) Association. After all these years we would like to honor Albert LeGault's great sacrifice to our nation.
When Grandpa Al returned from the war, he was married and moved to Minneapolis with his wife of over 60 years, Jeanne. Al then went to work for JB Hudsons in Minneapolis. Al was a fixture in downtown and at Dayton's as a watch maker and repair man for Hudsons. Every day, rain or shine, all seasons, Al would walk from Dayton's to the farmers market to catch the bus back home. When he retired after over 40 years of service, Hudson's honored Al with a large celebration for everyone's favorite watch repairman. Mention his name to people at Hudson's and people smile and even people too young to have known him have heard of his legend.
Today we celebrate Albert L. LeGault, the most youthful 100 year old who still walks one mile everyday. Loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, neighbor, community member, accomplished artist, watch maker and decorated WWII veteran, Al is a shining example of how to live life to it's fullest.