'I love this country:' WWII veteran celebrates 77 years after being awarded Purple Heart

CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — John Samuel Jennings Sr. served in the Army during WWII and earned the Purple Heart for his heroics at the Battle of the Bulge in 1944.

Now almost 78 years later, Campbell County celebrated his service.

The Campbell County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously for a resolution honoring Jennings.

The declaration thanked and honored Jennings for his dedicated military and community service, his sacrifice, bravery, and dedication to his country and community.

Jennings said he never thought it would happen.

“It's wonderful," Jennings said. "That's something I never expected. I'm just an old farm boy."

It doesn't just stop in Campbell County; there are others honoring Jennings.

People from all over the country are sending him letters thanking him for what he's done. Jennings said all of the love is incredible.

"I really appreciate it that there's still people that like what people have done for them beforehand," Jennings said.

The county helped get the word out to people to thank Jennings.

Sherry Harding, director of public and employee relations, said the response was incredible.

"We received 63 letters from all over the country and all over Virginia, expressing their thanks to him," Harding said.

Jennings' son Donnie said his father earned this.

"He taught me so many things," Donnie said. "The greatest man I've ever known, to be honest with you."

Jennings said he worries about where the country is heading at times but said he has no regrets about what he's done.

"I'd do it all over again if I had to," he explained.

He said there are two reasons why.

"I love my country," Jennings said." And I love people."