For many young American men of that long ago time, one June afternoon in the early 1940s was spent in a hot gymnasium or on a windy football field, collecting their just desserts after 12 years of hard work - namely, a well-earned high school diploma.

But for many other men of the same age, a greater need took precedence and they were forced to make sacrifices both large and small, as they were pressed into military service during World War II. At the time, the attainment of a high school diploma was one of those sacrifices.

One such man was 78-year-old Walter LaMarita, a native of Brooklyn and currently of Franklin Square, who, instead of collecting his sheepskin with his classmates in Kings County, was off fighting for America in the Far East as a member of the 13th Air Force division.

Now, over 50 years later, a special New York State law has made in possible to pay back, in some small way, those who had to forgo their high school degree.

Created two years ago to honor veterans of World War II, "Operation Recognition," a program in which military veterans are awarded honorary high school diplomas, now includes Korean War veterans. Statewide, about 100,000 people are currently eligible, and state officials are looking to expand to include any war-time veterans.

In a small but joyous ceremony held in Principal Doug Monaghan's office at H. Frank Carey High School recently, a beaming LaMarita took possession of his official Carey diploma, with his wife and family alongside to share in the moment.

While noting that serving his country during a time of need was his greatest satisfaction, LaMarita, whose children graduated from Carey in the 1960s and 1970s, made it clear that "missing out on my high school diploma was a great disappointment."

While eyeing his newly minted diploma, LaMarita expressed his wish that this event could motivate other veterans in like circumstances to come forth and be recognized in a similar fashion. "It would mean a lot to them," LaMarita said.