A World War II veteran, Battle of the Bulge survivor and longtime member of Fort Lee’s VFW Post 2342, August “Augie” Caccavone is celebrating an extraordinary milestone: his 100th birthday. Days before the official celebration, the Fort Lee community had already honored him in a memorable way, joining together to sing “Happy Birthday” during National Night Out.
FORT LEE, NJ — Fort Lee is celebrating one of its most respected longtime residents this week as World War II veteran August “Augie” Caccavone turns 100 years old.
The Borough of Fort Lee marked the milestone on Wednesday, August 12, calling Caccavone a “true Fort Lee legend” and recognizing his lifetime of service to both his country and his community.
Caccavone is a World War II veteran and survivor of the Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest and deadliest battles fought by American forces during the war. He remains a longtime active member of Fort Lee VFW Cairola-Barber Post 2342.
A Birthday Celebration Shared by the Community
But Fort Lee’s celebration of Augie did not begin with Wednesday’s official birthday message.
During Fort Lee’s National Night Out on August 5, Mayor Mark Sokolich called attention to Augie’s approaching 100th birthday and encouraged everyone gathered at the community event to wish him well.
Then came a moment that felt less like an official ceremony and more like a neighborhood celebrating one of its own: the crowd joined together and sang “Happy Birthday” to Augie.
For a man who has spent decades as part of the Fort Lee community, it was a fitting tribute — hundreds of voices recognizing a life that now spans an entire century.
From the Battle of the Bulge to Fort Lee
Augie’s military record tells an extraordinary story of its own.
According to the office of U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Caccavone served as a sergeant in the U.S. 7th Army during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star after destroying two German machine-gun positions.
His wartime service extended beyond Europe. He also served in the Philippines and later with the 8th Army in Japan.
In December 2025, Gottheimer honored Caccavone as one of New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District “Hometown Heroes,” recognizing his military service and his continued involvement with fellow veterans and the community. At the time, he was 99.
Just a month earlier, Caccavone had joined local officials, veterans and residents at Fort Lee’s Veterans Day ceremony at VFW Post 2342.
A Fort Lee Legend Turns 100
A century of life can be measured in years, but Augie Caccavone’s story is also measured in service, resilience and community. From the battlefields of World War II to the Fort Lee neighborhood he has called home, his 100th birthday is more than a personal milestone — it is a celebration shared by an entire community.
A Permanent Tribute in Fort Lee
Born on August 12, 1926, Augie Caccavone reached his 100th birthday on August 12, 2026 — and Fort Lee marked the milestone with a tribute that will remain part of the community.
A bench dedicated in his honor now carries a plaque bearing his name and commemorating his 100th birthday. The inscription describes Augie as a veteran and Fort Lee resident who embodies “Friendship, Patriotism and Community.”
The bench was presented by Fort Lee VFW Post 2342 and the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Fort Lee, creating a permanent tribute to a man whose life has now spanned a full century.
Happy 100th birthday, Augie.
Sources: Borough of Fort Lee / Fort Lee Today; Office of U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer.
By NJ RADAR Team