Second World War veteran who survived Covid released from hospital just in time for 104th birthday

‘Words can not describe the honor it is to know this man,’ grandaughter says

Major Lee Wooten was captured on video by hospital staff being discharged from Madison Hospital to a chorus of healthcare workers (Madison Hospital/ Facebook)

A Second World War veteran from Alabama defeated coronavirus and has been released from hospital in time to celebrate his 104th birthday.

Maj Lee Wooten was captured on video by hospital staff being discharged from Madison Hospital to a chorus of healthcare workers cheering him on and singing happy birthday.

The veteran, who served in the US Army for several years overseas, had just won his battle with coronavirus and was being discharged last week to go and celebrate his 104th birthday at home with family two days later, WAFF reported.

“Major Lee Wooten won his battle with Covid-19 in time to be home to celebrate his 104th birthday,” the hospital posted alongside the warming footage.

Mr Wooten’s granddaughter, Holly Wooten McDonald, who fondly knows him as “Pop Pop” posted a happy update on Facebook upon her grandfather's return from the hospital.

“My heart is so full!!! I get the honor to have Pop Pop with me a few days while mom gets her stamina back,” she said. 

Ms Wooten McDonald explained that her grandfather is still experiencing confusion and fatigue as a result of the virus, but was excited to grab one of his favourite chocolate milkshakes before he went home.

“I wish I had gotten a picture of pop pop pulling his mask over his nose to get to that milkshake as fast as he could,” she said.

A later update by Ms Wooten McDonald revealed that on Saturday, a number of Mr Wooten close friends and neighbours participated in a drive-by parade to celebrate his return.

The parade consisted of around 50 plus cars including Madison Police and Fire Departments and a group of Major Wooten’s fellow veterans, who saluted to the 104-year-old as they went past, his granddaughter said.

Mr Wooten returned the warm gesture and was seen in videos waving and saluting throughout the parade, which he “thoroughly enjoyed”, according to Ms Wooten McDonald.

"Besides beating Covid and being released from the hospital; today was another highlight of his week!" she posted on Facebook.  

"I speak for our whole family and friends when I say words can not describe the honor it is to know this man. To be his granddaughter is one of my biggest blessings in life."

Mr Wooten who also built railroads and worked on rail cars in Paris in the 1940′s, went back to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of storming the beaches, according to WAFF.