Student, World War II Vet Team to Correct Record

KNIGHTDALE, N.C. — Chase Shermer and James Creech are almost 70 years apart in age, but they have become comrades fighting for a common cause.

It all began when Chase, 13, was asked to do a homework assignment about the lives of World War II veterans.

Creech, 82, is Chase’s neighbor and told his young friend about his time in the war.

Creech was promoted from private to corporal and was supposed to have been promoted to tech sergeant in the field. But after spending 154 days as a prisoner of war in January 1945, the paperwork was never completed to signify his higher rank.

His promotion slipped through the cracks, but Chase is on a mission to make sure his neighbor receives his appropriate title.

“He’s just a really nice man,” Chase said. “I hope it really happens, because it’s an honor for him to get promoted, for a World War II veteran that’s still alive today.”

The 13-year-old and his family have contacted Sen. Elizabeth Dole's office about Creech's promotion. Dole’s office said she is looking into the case.

“I hope it works,” Creech said. “I had about given up, because I’ve been trying since 1940. Well, since 1945 I have been trying.”