An American World War II veteran has opened up about what he believes the secret to a long life is, after turning 103 years old.
Frank Pugliano Sr. celebrated his 103rd birthday earlier this month as his son shared a sweet tribute to him on Facebook.
The war veteran was seen wearing a commemorative hat and military shirt as he posed next to a birthday balloon.
See the photo below:Frank, who is from Pennsylvania, called his latest birthday the greatest dat of his life as he celebrated with family and friends at Boyce Park, outside of Pittsburgh, last weekend.
He told WTAE: "The greatest day of my life. I never thought I’d be here at 103, going from what I went through. You never know.
"A lot of my friends never made it, but I made it."
And as for what he thinks helped him live such a long life? Frank credits Coca-Cola and dark chocolate for his longevity, which is definitely something we can get behind.
Frank was born in Italy but immigrated to the US when he was just six years old, with the Tribune-Review stating that he graduated from Penn Hills High School in 1942.
He enlisted in the US Army and served for three years, during which time he survived a Japanese torpedo attack while he was deployed on a convoy mission to Luzon in the Philippines.
He revealed that he saw many of his young comrades killed in the attack.
Frank was honorably discharged from the army in 1945, but kept on working until the grand old age of 98, most recently maintaining the clubhouse at an over-55s residential community.
After returning home from the army, Frank married his high school sweetheart Mary Strough and the couple had 65 happy years of marriage until she died in 2011.
He also worked as a diesel mechanic after his military service, specializing in heavy equipment.
As well as Coca-Cola and dark chocolate, Frank also previously credited his "good Italian genes" for his long life and remaining active after turning 100 years old.
He said at the time: "The doctor told me, ‘Whatever you’re doing, do it.'"
Frank has remained very active into his triple digits, with his only worry being bad knees.
His son, Frank Jr., said at the time: "His health is remarkable and he doesn’t look his age. His frame of mind, everything … it’s absolutely incredible."
And even at 103, Frank still cuts his own grass and maintains his own home to stay active, and uses his iPad to keep up with his friends and family over Facebook each day, adding: "That’s how I keep in touch with my relatives."
What a man - here's to many more happy and healthy years!
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