On Saturday, September 20, 2025, the Battleship North Carolina hosted a milestone moment for one of its dearest Friends members. Louis Bourgault, a 100-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II and long-standing Battleship volunteer, was awarded his long-awaited high school diploma during the annual meeting of the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina, held aboard the historic ship in Wilmington, NC.
Bourgault grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts, and left school in 1942 at the age of 17 to enlist in the Marine Corps during WWII. Like many of his generation, he answered the call to serve his country before completing his education. Thanks to the efforts of fellow Friends member and Worcester, MA, native Hugh Donohue, city officials in Worcester worked with the School Committee and Veterans Services to secure Bourgault’s honorary diploma earlier this year.
The setting for the diploma presentation held deep personal meaning for Bourgault. While fighting in the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, he could see the USS North Carolina—now Battleship North Carolina—firing at the enemy from the shore. “I’m the only one around here that saw that gunfire,” Bourgault recalled.
“Louis represented the very best of the Greatest Generation,” said Hugh Donohue. “To see him finally receive this recognition, surrounded by his fellow Friends and aboard the Battleship, was a truly special moment.”
Dr. Jay C. Martin, Executive Director of the Battleship North Carolina, added: “It was an honor for the Battleship to serve as the backdrop for this long-overdue recognition of Mr. Bourgault’s service and sacrifice. His story reflected the selflessness of so many young men and women who put their futures on hold to defend freedom. We were proud to celebrate his life, his service, and this important milestone here aboard the Ship that honors all who served.”
The diploma presentation came as a surprise to Mr. Bourgault, with members of his family traveling from across the country to celebrate with him—another part of the special moment.
The Worcester City Council had approved the honorary diploma in June, and Worcester’s Director of Veterans Services, Dr. Joe Robinson, also commended Louis Bourgault in a letter of recognition. The ceremony celebrated his achievement, his service, and the enduring bond between those who served and the communities that continue to honor them.