Legacy lives on in Swampscott after death of 107-year-old hero

SWAMPSCOTT – Justin Saulnier walked into the Bertram House in 2008 looking for a veteran to interview as part of a high school project.He left with memories of a man he will never forget.Saulnier, son of Swampscott residents Paul and Denise Saulnier, was a Swampscott High School junior when he interviewed World War II veteran Walter V. Mitchell. An initial conversation with Mitchell – who was one of the country’s three oldest living veterans before he died last Wednesday at the age of 107 – turned into several hours-long conversations over the course of a week that offered Saulnier insights into a century-long life well lived.”He was full of life. I think he was 102 at the time – totally energetic – he really enjoyed people,” Saulnier said.Mitchell shared stories with Saulnier about his experiences aboard a Navy ship chasing German submarines. Saulnier listened intently, weighing Mitchell’s words against his own interest at the time in serving in the military.At one point during one of their conversations, Saulnier said Mitchell jokingly tossed a boxing jab at him with enough power behind the punch to have done damage had it connected.Peabody resident Joseph Gravini, a cousin of Mitchell’s late wife, Elizabeth, said Swampscott officials honored Mitchell last July as the town’s oldest living veteran. Gravini spent time with Mitchell during the veteran’s last years and listened to his humor-laced war stories.”He told me about climbing up the ship’s mast during a storm to change a beacon light bulb. He was scared but when his shipmates asked him how it went, he said, ?piece of cake,'” Gravini said.He recalled how Mitchell’s captain sent him to check out electrical equipment aboard a captured German sub. Mitchell successfully completed the task but the captain received a medal recognizing the accomplishment.Mitchell worked as a letter carrier after the war, crisscrossing Lynn on foot. For exercise, he walked for miles carrying a heavy window counterweight in each hand. Gravini traveled with Mitchell in Italy for three weeks when Mitchell turned 95.”We walked all over the place – he was a very special man in every way,” Gravini said.Saulnier said his respect for veterans increased following his conversations with Mitchell.”He was very nonchalant about his service – I guess it’s a testament to his generation,” Saulnier said.Before his final conversation with Mitchell, Saulnier asked him the secret to longevity.”I’ll never forget when he laughed and said, ?I did everything wrong: I drank, I smoked and I fought – don’t ask me,'” Saulnier said.”It was a pretty unique experience getting to talk to someone like him,” he added.