World's Oldest World War II Veteran Turns 112, Said He Smokes a Dozen Cigars a Day

The oldest man in America celebrated his 112th birthday Friday and his key to longevity may not be what you think.

Richard Overton, who is also the oldest living World War II veteran, celebrated his 112th birthday on Friday.

And his secrets?

He smokes a dozen cigars a day, he told the Dallas Morning News he told.

He likes whiskey and coke, and he wakes up in the morning with multiple cups of coffee. He also credits God for his long life.

"Just keep living, don’t die,” he told the newspaper.

Overton requires 24/7 in-home care, according to reports.

Overton was born near Austin, Texas, in 1906. During World War II, Overton served as a marksman in a segregated unit while stationed in Pearl Harbor and Okinawa, USA Today reported.

He also served in the South Pacific from 1940 through 1945 with stops in Hawaii, Guam, and Iwo Jima.

RELATED STORIES