Louis A. Ham of Alexandria died on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, at the age of 102. A longtime resident of Annandale, Lou was born Dec. 27, 1911 to Russell and Martha Ham in Charlottesville, Va. Lou married his childhood sweetheart, Myrtle French on Sept. 6, 1935. They were married for 55 years prior to her death.

Lou was a Virginia National Guardsman and represented the Guard in National Marksmen Competitions. Lou enlisted in the Army to fight in World War II where he served as a combat infantryman and was part of the invasion of Normandy as well as campaigns in France, Belgium, and Germany. While in the European Theatre, he earned numerous decorations including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. He was also awarded the French military decoration Croix de Guerre by French President Charles De Gaulle, which is given to distinguish individuals for acts of heroism involving combat with the enemy.

Lou and his wife, Myrtle, retired to Port Richey, Fla. in 1979 where he stayed very active golfing and fishing. Lou returned to Northern Virginia in 2009. Lou was an incredible person, a Southern gentleman, father, grand-father, great-grandfather and friend. He was deeply loved and will be missed by all that knew him.

Lou is survived by his two daughters, Donna Graham of Louisa, Virginia and Diane Fullerton of Alexandria; sister, Mary Jane Allen; grandsons Glenn Facey, David Facey, and Alan Facey; great-grandsons Joshua, Alexander, Kyler, and William; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lou was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Myrtle, and six brothers and a sister.

The family received friends at Murphy Funeral Home located at 1102 West Broad Street in Falls Church on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to be made to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. in the honor of Louis A. Ham.