Family and friends packed the pizzeria for a special tribute in LaPorta's honor. Smyrna Councilman Wade Lnenicka presented the veteran with a proclamation that proclaimed July 11, 2010, "Ed LaPorta Day." Cobb Commissioner Woody Thompson also presented a proclamation on behalf of the county. The restaurant is usually closed on Sundays, but staff worked overtime just for the 93-year-old hero.

LaPorta said people often ask him the secret to living a long life.

"If you look around, that's the answer," the short and trim Italian-born veteran said. "Good friends, such as these. Good babies, such as these." There's nothing better for a POW, he added.

Born in Italy on June 21, 1917, LaPorta immigrated to the U.S. with his parents when he was 16 years old. He later became a U.S. citizen and enlisted in the Army in 1940, where he began his basic training at Fort Knox in Kentucky and was a part of the beginning of the 1st Armored Division. LaPorta fondly remembered serving under Army Gen. George S. Patton during the war.

He participated in the invasion of Oran, Algeria, in North Africa and surrounding areas for 3.5 years before being captured by the Germans at Kasserine Pass in Tunisia. He was a POW for 27 months in prison camps until the war ended in 1945. For his service, he was awarded several medals, including three Purple Hearts.

LaPorta recalled he and other POWs being forced to do slave labor early on, having little to eat and not having hot water to bath with.

"It was not a pleasant (experience)," he said.

LaPorta said he was able to survive because of "drive and determination; and the love of my country."

After the war, LaPorta married Teresa, who died 12 years ago. They had one son.

"He has always led his life with dignity and integrity, and has always been there for family and friends," said Ed LaPorta Jr. "Dad is a true gentleman and most certainly, a true American patriot."

Atlanta artist Leah Hopkins Henry, co-founder of the Atlanta Fine Arts League, paints portraits of Georgia's fallen soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan and donates them to their survivors. On Sunday, she presented Ed LaPorta Sr. with a portrait of himself.

Blue Moon Pizza owners Kelvin and Mandy Slater organized the tribute for LaPorta after getting to know him and hearing his story. A pizza at the restaurant is named in his honor. Mandy Slater's father, Ron Fashano, a veteran and commander of a Florida American Legion post, emceed the event.

"It has certainly been a pleasure getting to know you," Kelvin Slater told Ed LaPorta Sr.