EVANSVILLE — A local hero and a living piece of American history celebrated a rare milestone Wednesday as Irving LeVine, now recognized as one of Indiana’s oldest living World War II veterans, turned 104 years old.
Surrounded by family, friends, and community leaders, the veteran was honored by Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, who officially proclaimed Feb. 4, 2026, as “Sergeant Irving LeVine Day.”
Born in 1922, LeVine served as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. His role was technically demanding and high-stakes: he operated ground-based long-range navigational systems (LORAN) that guided Allied aircraft over the Himalayan Mountains.
The route, famously known as “the Hump,” was used to fly critical supplies from India to China. The terrain was notoriously dangerous, characterized by extreme altitudes and unpredictable weather.
As of February 2026, LeVine holds a distinguished place among Indiana’s aging veteran population. While previous records indicated that 107-year-old Thurman Carnal was the state’s oldest veteran in 2023, Carnal passed away in November 2023. This transition highlights the dwindling number of “Greatest Generation” heroes and the importance of honoring those who remain.
LeVine’s service took him on a 30-day boat journey to Bombay, India, where he was eventually stationed at a tea plantation. Tasked with building a radio station near a local village, LeVine recalled the stark contrast between military life abroad and returning home. He shared vivid memories of his two years overseas, including the time he discovered a tiger trapped in a pit.
“You appreciate [this life] a lot more,” LeVine remarked, reflecting on his return to the U.S.
After the war, LeVine finished his studies at Ohio State University and worked for General Motors in Michigan before settling in Evansville, where he has been a resident for decades.
When asked about his secret to reaching 104, LeVine offered a humble perspective. “You just live it,” he said. “Thank the man upstairs—you’re on this Earth for some reason. I’m waiting on that reason.”
