. >> reporter: at a ceremony in poolesville, maryland, american legion post 247th paid special tribute to one of its own. >> he was a marine. he was most proud of being a marine. >> reporter: the vet they are honoring is gunnery sergeant richard remp. remp, who everyone called gunny, quit high school to serve in world war ii and stayed all the way through vietnam. >> here is all his ribbons. >> reporter: friends julien singh and james cappuccilli said he was highly decorated. >> that's right. >> reporter: and all of those accomplishments, and there was still one thing left undone. >> yes. >> high school diploma. >> that was his sort of farewell wish. >> reporter: fortunately, pennsylvania law allows for any honorably discharged veteran of world war ii, korea, or vietnam, to receive an honorary high school diploma. unfortunately, it takes time, and donny had just days to live. nevertheless, his friends, in desperation, reached out to school officials here in his hometown of sharon, pennsylvania. >> hi. >> superintendent justi glaros took the call. >> i have a lot of passion for the men