103-year-old Joe Balogh of Franklin County, North Carolina is looking forward to a special Blue Ridge Honor Flight from Asheville to Washington, D.C. Balogh is part of a dwindling group of courageous individuals who served during World War II. Despite his age, he remains active and mobile, a true testament to his resilience.
During the war, Balogh had aspirations 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 harrowing, with close encounters with Japanese Zeros and tragic losses of fellow crew members during missions near the mountains of China after crashing into rice paddies.
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, sharing stories and memories of their time in service together. Balogh’s commitment to his country extended to flying a total of 106 missions during World War II, highlighting his profound contribution to the war effort.
The Blue Ridge Honor Flight will take Joe Balogh on an emotional journey back to Washington D.C., where he will have the chance to visit many iconic landmarks such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and Arlington National Cemetery.
As he looks back on his life’s work, Joe Balogh feels grateful for all that he has accomplished during his long journey as a soldier and citizen. With each passing day, he continues to inspire others around him with his unwavering dedication and deep sense of patriotism.
In conclusion, Joe Balogh’s story is a testament to how even in times of great adversity like World War II people can remain committed to their country’s cause. The Blue Ridge Honor Flight will give him one last opportunity
