Lisbon Korean War veteran receives diploma

Published: May 21, 2012

Flanked by his children Joseph R. Ali wipes away a tear as Griswold High School students give him a standing ovation following a presentation by principal Dr. Mark Frizzell of a diploma from the school to Ali in front of the annual awards assembly Monday, May 21, 2012. Ali, 82, left Tourtellotte Memorial High school in Thompson in June of 1948 before graduation to join the U.S. Navy and never returned to school to complete his diploma. Ali's neighbor, Herb Peck, learning of Ali's regret over not receiving his diploma contacted Frizzell who went through the process through a state law enacted last year to grant high school diplomas to Korean War veterans. Ali served as an electrical technician on the battleship USS Wisconsin which bombarded North Korea in 1950. He returned to Connecticut after his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1952 and worked 44-years at General Dynamics Electric Boat division in Groton. Frizzell wanted to present the diploma at commencement next month but Ali resisted but agreed to come-in to the school on Monday where he was surprised to find he was being presented the diploma in front of the entire student body at the awards assembly.

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Sean D. Elliot/The Day

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