Bonita Springs veteran was part of the first wave at Normandy

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla.- A veteran is sharing his war story for the very first time.

Private First Class Nicholas Scarola was part of the first wave on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, also known as “D-Day.”

Only WINK News sat down with the war hero at a new world-class assisted living facility, he’ll soon move into.

“I think about all the friends I lost, a lot,” said Scarola.

It was instant emotion for a World War II veteran who enlisted right out of high school.

“I didn’t have a chance to be a young fellow and go on dates,” said Scarola.

Scarola has never shared the story of his time in combat.

“You either get killed or you got wounded so badly you had to be pulled out.”

But, he vividly recalls June 6, 1944, D-Day, the day he touched down at Normandy.

“As soon as I got off the ramp, the water was over my head and the water wasn’t blue, it was red.”

Scarola tells WINK News about the day he came face to face with the enemy and was forced to pull the trigger.

“I was sick. I threw up. I couldn’t believe that I had done something like that to someone, it hurt,” Scarola told WINK News.

He was awarded three Purple Hearts, one Bronze Star, one Silver Star and three Battle Stars.

“I would do the same thing again today, Ra Ra!”

Bob Gillette is a veteran himself. He’s the founder of American House Senior Living Communities. There are several in Michigan and he just build the first in Southwest Florida.

When he heard Scarola’s story, the two had an instant connection.

“Nice man. He took an interest and I never found someone who wanted to do that.”

Scarola will be the first veteran to call American House, home.

“This is heaven. I think got wounded and went to heaven, from then to now living in luxury, fantastic.”

Scarola will be honored at the home’s grand opening this Thursday night. Another American House is being built right now in Estero.