Dr. Maury Irvine, a 100-year-old World War II veteran born in San Francisco, was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal on Thursday. Irvine moved to Montana and graduated from Butte High in 1941. Pearl Harbor and WW2 sparked Irvine’s interest in joining the Navy, but his blindness prevented him from serving in most forces. Determined to fight, Irvine joined the Merchant Marine as a radio officer, using his experience with radios to serve his country until 1946.
When asked about his time in the Merchant Marine, Irvine expressed his love for his service, stating that he enjoyed every minute of it. Congressman Ryan Zinke, a Navy SEAL veteran representing Montana and its many veterans and heroes, felt honored to recognize Irvine for his courage during WW2 and his accomplishments post-war. Past recipients of the award include Sir Winston Churchill and George Washington, highlighting the prestigious nature of the Congressional Gold Medal.
Irvine’s contributions to technology were also recognized during the ceremony. He played a crucial role in developing early digital computer versions after the war, including making computers small enough to fit into airplanes – a feat that left a lasting impact on modern technology. In accepting the award, Dr. Irvine expressed his gratitude for being recognized for his brave service during WW2 and his work advancing technology post-war. Reflecting on the significance of the award and his journey as a veteran, Irvine was humbled by this momentous occasion.