A World War II veteran and Ysleta High School graduate died Sunday morning.

Angel Romero, a member of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne, received France's highest recognition for his service during the liberation of France in WWII. He was presented with the award at Fort Bliss in August.

"It was an honor and I felt that I was representing quite a few of my buddies that didn't come back," Romero said in a previous interview.

Romero said the honor was quite a surprise, and although he appreciated the recognition he received from current servicemen, he thanked them for their service.

"I guess they don't realize how much we of the past generations appreciate their service," Romero said. "Without them, we wouldn't be here."

Romero made combat parachute jumps into Normandy, France on D-Day as part of Operation: “Overlord” and also into Holland during Operation: “Market/Garden.” He fought in the “Battle of the Bulge,” was involved in the Central European Campaign and was wounded on three separate occasions.

Romero’s viewing and rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Martin Funeral Home on Montana, and he will be buried at 11 a.m. Thursday at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. 

Romero died of natural causes.