Grit and red wine: Celebrated WWII US photographer beats virus at 97

'I really feel I have luck on my back. And I could go anywhere on this Earth and survive it,” says Vaccaro. Photo: AP

Tony Vaccaro's mother died in childbirth, and at a tender age he also lost his father to tuberculosis. By age five, he was an orphan in Italy, enduring beatings from an uncle. As an American GI during World War II, he survived the Battle of Normandy.

Now, a celebrated wartime and celebrity photographer at age 97, he is getting over a bout with Covid-19. He attributes his longevity to "blind luck, red wine” and determination.