Lt. Colonel Chester Pettey, a 1943 graduate of Dartmouth High School and decorated U.S. Army veteran, will return to his hometown this month to celebrate his 100th birthday.

The Dartmouth High School Alumni Association will host a luncheon in his honor at 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, at the Wamsutta Club in the historic James Arnold Mansion in New Bedford. Community members are invited to attend and join in recognizing Pettey’s lifetime of service and dedication. RSVPs are requested by June 19 to Enid Silva at 508-992-9477 or by email at dhsaa.1907@gmail.com.

Pettey served more than 26 years in the military, including tours in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. As a member of the 42nd Infantry Division, he was among the first to enter the Dachau concentration camp in April 1945, describing it as “a miserable place” with “skinny prisoners in rags” and boxcars of the dead.

Over the years, Pettey rose through the ranks from sergeant to colonel, serving as a combat engineer and special forces leader. He has shared stories from his time in the service with alumni and town officials, who have honored him with proclamations and veteran commendations.

Though the pandemic halted the association’s traditional banquets, Pettey and his wife have continued to visit Dartmouth annually. This year, his milestone 100th birthday offers the community a chance to celebrate one of its most distinguished alumni.