World War II veteran William “Roney” Leitner of Hallieford told stories about his time in the Navy during Monday’s Veterans Day celebration and awards program at American Legion Post 83 in Mathews.

The annual program was hosted by American Legion Post 83 and Auxiliary. Post commander Tim Roscher began the program with opening remarks and the introduction of guests.

Following the invocation and dinner blessing led by Auxiliary president Bonnie Smith, the dinner buffet was served by Shirley Williams Catering.

Leitner told stories from his time in the Navy, where he took 10 trips across the Atlantic as a gunner on merchant ships crossing in convoy. Among the anecdotes he related, Leitner told the audience that the early sonar equipment could not tell the difference between a school of fish and a submarine, so they killed a lot of fish. After his speech, Leitner was presented an American Legion coin.

Roscher, Leitner and post adjutant Morey Alexander then presented C...