SECOND World War veteran Joseph Ponting used money from his pension to commemorate former Archway School pupil Lance Corporal Dane Elson, who died in Afghanistan last year.
Mr Ponting, 87, a former paratrooper and prisoner of war, was surprised when he discovered there were no plans for a plaque to honour Dane.
He used £120 from his pension to buy a brass plaque and get it engraved.
This was unveiled at a ceremony at Archway School in Stroud on Thursday.
Mr Ponting and his wife Alice, 88, from Nailsworth, read about Dane in the SNJ.
"Dane was a brave soldier and I thought he should be remembered in a special way," said Mr Ponting, who was awarded eight medals during 25 years in the Army.
The ceremony was attended by Mr and Mrs Ponting, Dane's mother Alison, sister Jess Williams and father Stuart, who said: "I am incredibly touched by Mr Ponting's gesture."
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