August "Gus" Dindia is son of an Italian immigrant who built a produce distribution company in Portland who joined the U.S. Navy in World War II.

At only 20 years old, Dindia was navigator, helmsman and signalman on a landing craft that transported U.S. infantry to and from the South Pacific. Over the three-and-a-half years in the service, his convoy sustained 83 attacks and three typhoons. The 29 men on the vessel stayed in touch after the war, getting together for yearly reunions through 1997. Dindia is the last surviving of the 29.

Following his time in the service, Dindia dedicated his life to being an educator, serving as a teacher and then administrator in several Portland-area schools. Since 2017, he has resided in independent living at The Springs at Clackamas Woods near Milwaukie, where he stays active, including almost daily visits to the community's fitness room despite his 99 years.