BOYD COUNTY, Ky. — William Miranda, Jr. was a hero. A member of the U.S. Army, Miranda served in World War II and was at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. He was with the 2nd Ranger Battalion and injured during his service. He received the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for his service. 

When Miranda returned from the war he went to work for Armco Steel. Miranda had four children; three sons and a daughter. He also had seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The veteran died at the VA Medical Center in Huntington, West Virginia just days after testing positive for the virus.

Governor Andy Beshear spoke of Miranda and his service to the country during his April 8 briefing. The governor said Miranda's son, David, like so many other family members dealing with the loss of loved ones, didn't want his father to be just another number. The younger Miranda wanted to share how deadly the virus can be. 

William Miranda, Jr. was 96-years-old.