Korean War vet makes the grade in Griswold

Joseph R. Ali of Lisbon leaves the gym to a standing ovation from Griswold High School students Monday after receiving his diploma from principal Mark Frizzell at the annual awards ceremony. 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 helped the process along. A state law enacted last year grants high school diplomas to Korean War veterans. Ali served as an electrical technician on the battleship USS Wisconsin, which bombarded North Korea. He returned to Connecticut after his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1952 and worked 44 years at Electric Boat in Groton. Frizzell wanted to present the diploma at commencement in June, but Ali resisted. He agreed to come in on Monday, where he was surprised to find himself a participant in the awards ceremony.