There's a waiting list to buy breakfast for this WWII vet in Idaho

World War II veteran Dan Rankin has his breakfast paid for every morning at an Idaho diner. (Photo: KHQ)

POST FALLS, Idaho (WTHR) - A World War II veteran hasn't paid for breakfast at an Idaho diner in more than three years.

Dan Rankin can be found in his usual spot at Dueling Irons in Post Falls, Idaho every morning between 8 a.m.-10 a.m. And the 95-year-old veteran usually orders the same meal.

"Sausage patties, hash browns, wheat toast, eggs," Rankin said. "Once in awhile I change."

What hasn't changed is the generosity of fellow diners. Someone has picked up Rankin's check every day for the past 3-4 years.

The kindness isn't about to change, either. There is actually a waiting list of people wanting to pay for Rankin's meal.

"Everytime I've asked if I could pay for his meal, someone's already done it," said one customer.

"There's a lot of contributions that really surprised us," Rankin said.

KHQ-TV in Spokane learned Rankin drove tanks under General George S. Patton during the war and helped in the liberation of Nazi concentration camps.

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