CHICAGO — Even while fighting on the battlefield in the Southwest Pacific during World War II, the Cubs were on Arthur "Art" Daniels' mind.
“Oh yeah we all kept up with the Cubs back home," the 93-year-old lifelong Cubs fan said. "There was the Yankee paper and a publication for the whole battery that was on a bulletin. Sometimes we were able to tune into public broadcasts if there was extra time and we were laying around.”
Daniels will be honored Saturday during the fourth inning of Game 1 of the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Daniels will be saluted on the field as his name and military background are announced as part of the "Salute" program organized by United Service Organizations of Illinois, according to USO of Illinois associate director of programs Carrie Norwood.
“The USO of Illinois is honored to be able to connect past and present service members to the American people through this partnership with the Chicago Cubs,” said Alison Ruble, President & CEO of USO of Illinois. “We are grateful to those who serve our nation so bravely.”
Daniels' granddaughter, Suzanne Daly, signed Daniels up for the opportunity about a year ago, and he recently found out he was selected to attend the Cubs' third home playoff game of this postseason.
"I'm very excited for the game," said Daniels, who grew up near Ridgemoor Country Club in Harwood Heights.
Daniels, who has trouble walking, will be attending the game with his son, Mark. They have seats close to the field.
Daniels is hoping to find tickets so his wife of nearly 70 years, Rose, and some of his four other children could be there as well.
"It would be more of a party if everyone could be there, it would be fun," Daniels said.
Daniels was drafted into the Army as an 18-year-old and was assigned to Battery B of the 121st Field Artillery, 32nd Infantry Division. He was in combat in the Southwest Pacific, serving as an Army gunner responsible for transporting large guns up the mountains and shooting long range.
"There were 120 people in our battery, and I knew the name of every guy," Daniels said.
He met Rose, a Little Italy native, before the war at Oaks Manufacturing, where they made receivers and transmitters for boats and planes used in the war. While he served overseas, Daniels stayed in touch with his future wife with letters. He was released from service on Dec. 31, 1945, and he married Rose on Nov. 30, 1946 at a Logan Square banquet hall.
"When I met her I had no idea I was going to marry her," Daniels said. "I worked there every day and we got to know each other. I didn’t know she was in love with me.”
Daniels has been waiting for the Cubs to win the World Series his whole life. He said it would mean a lot to him, Rose, his five kids, 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
"I've always been a fan," he said. "I'm what you call a die-hard fan."
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here.
