Centenarian War Veteran Joe Balogh Embarks on Blue Ridge Honor Flight to Reunite with Fellow WWII Veterans

In Asheville, North Carolina, 103-year-old World War II veteran Joe Balogh is preparing for a special Blue Ridge Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Balogh is part of an increasingly rare group of brave individuals who served during that historic war. Despite his advanced age, he remains active and mobile, a true testament to his resilience.

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 underwent cadet training in the Army Air Corp and was eventually sent to southern Burma in 1944. His experiences were harrowing, with close calls from Japanese Zeros and tragic losses of fellow crew members during missions near the mountains of China after crashing into rice paddies.

Despite reaching what should have been the limit of 68 air missions, Balogh continued to serve, demonstrating his unwavering dedication and bravery. Now, he’s looking forward to reuniting 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 beyond just flying; he completed a total of 106 missions during World War II, making an incredible contribution to the war effort.

Franklin County’s Joe Balogh is not only a hero but also an inspiration for many people around him. His story serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans and their enduring legacy.