In Franklin County, North Carolina, a 103-year-old World War II veteran named Joe Balogh is preparing for a special Blue Ridge Honor Flight from Asheville to Washington, D.C. Balogh is part of a small group of brave individuals who served during that historic war. Despite his age, he remains active and mobile, showing the resilience that defined his time in service.
During the war, Balogh had dreams of becoming a pilot and worked with the Ford Motor Company in Detroit where B24 aircrafts were being built for the war effort. He went through cadet training in the Army Air Corp and was eventually sent to southern Burma in 1944. His experiences were difficult, with close calls with Japanese Zeros and tragic losses of fellow crew members during missions near the mountains of China after crashing into rice paddies.
But despite reaching the supposed limit of 68 air missions, Balogh continued to serve, a testament to his dedication and bravery. He is eager to reunite with his fellow veterans during the Blue Ridge Honor Flight and share stories and memories of their time together. Balogh’s commitment to his country extended beyond just serving in the military; it also included flying a total of 106 missions during World War II, making him a significant contributor to the war effort.
As he prepares for this special journey home, Joe Balogh reflects on his life and legacy as a veteran who has made an indelible mark on history.