Ken Molnaire: An essential component of Patton’s Third Army
marc.zarefsky2024-04-10T10:58:50-05:00Born 99 years ago this March, Kenneth “Ken” Molnaire grew up in Chicago. Living in Edison Park he attended Ebinger School, graduating in 1939.
Asencion Vela: Family is the Center of His Life
marc.zarefsky2022-08-30T21:41:55-05:00Since the day he was born, family has been the center of Asencion Vela’s life. This month, the focus turns to him when he will be honored with an Honor Flight Chicago trip to Washington, D.C., in recognition of his service during World War II.
Walter Dobbs: From Building a Boat to Becoming a Flight Engineer on a B-29
marc.zarefsky2022-08-30T21:42:44-05:00Walter (Walt) Dobbs was born in Detroit in 1925. His father had served in the U.S. Army in WWI in Europe as a machinist. He had taken advantage of his acquired technical skills after he returned to civilian life by becoming an accomplished mechanic.
Mary Catherine Burkart: Mother and Daughter Serving Together
marc.zarefsky2022-07-17T20:33:34-05:00As family traditions go, service to your country is a truly noble one to have. For the Burkart family of Sycamore, IL, answering the call during World War II was more than a duty. It was a strike back at an enemy that had taken one of their own on D-Day.
Robert Knoerzer: Medic With The Army of Occupation in Japan
marc.zarefsky2022-07-17T20:28:14-05:00Bob was stationed in Japan and, since World War II had ended by that time, he was part of the Army of Occupation. He served with the 1st Cavalry Division Medical Detachment of the 61st Field Artillery Battalion of Ota, Japan.
Thomas Workinger: Flying Midshipman to Flying the ‘Friendly Skies’
marc.zarefsky2022-06-07T19:42:54-05:00Thomas G. (Tom) Workinger was born in 1928 during the Great Depression and grew up and attended school in Terre Haute, Indiana. He “watched” as World War II engulfed the planet.
Earl and Darrell Bushnell: Shared Experiences for Father and Son
marc.zarefsky2022-04-09T21:37:14-05:00Earl Bushnell, age 96 and his son, Darrell, age 72 are in for an incredible ride. They will be the first father and son duo in Honor Flight Chicago’s history as part of the organization’s 100th flight to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 13.
Margaret Bernal: Flying With The Big Boys
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:14:49-05:00Life didn’t go the way 16-year-old Margaret Thomas would have liked it to go. Being the middle one of five sisters was always a challenge.
David Grauer: Gunner on the Destroyer
marc.zarefsky2021-11-04T10:13:59-05:00David Grauer feels bad that he never saw combat in World War II. He is also very glad he never had to kill anybody.
Bette Horstman: Leading Physical Therapy for Vets
marc.zarefsky2021-10-01T21:29:52-05:002nd Lieutenant Bette Horstman served as a physical therapist in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in the Pacific during World War II.
Edward Bernius: Thirty-Five Combat Missions Over Japan On A B-29
marc.zarefsky2021-09-11T15:58:34-05:00Mr. Bernius was born in Watertown, CT on October 3, 1924 and is the youngest of three. His older brother also served during WWII in the Army.
Anthony Vinezeano: From Boilerman on Three Ships to President, A Life’s Journey
Doug Meffley2019-10-10T15:01:21-05:00At the beginning of World War II, Anthony “Tony” Vinezeano was 13-years-old. By the time he was 17, he could wait no more to join the fight, changing his birth certificate to gain admittance.
Tad Dymanus: Long Journey from Germany to Vietnam to Gulf War
Doug Meffley2019-10-10T13:37:47-05:00Tad Dymanus' father was a Polish WWII soldier and German POW, and his mom survived Dachau. After the family emigrated to America, Tad felt he would do "any little thing" to help his new country. The thing is did was serve in two different wars.
Melvin Copeland: Too Tall To Fly, a Tuskegee Airman Provides Support to the Red Tails
Doug Meffley2021-04-20T13:49:08-05:00When Mel Copeland joined the Tuskegee Airmen, he wanted to be a pilot. At 6-foot-4, they couldn't close the plane's canopy over his tall frame, so he became ground support for the fabled unit.
William “Del” Cathey: Putting A Country Back Together
Doug Meffley2019-10-10T12:20:11-05:00After the bombs fell on Japan and ended World War II, William (Del) Cathey and the 24th Infantry Division got to work building the country back up.
Gene Bednarz: From Chicago to China and Back via Peleliu and Okinawa
Doug Meffley2019-10-10T11:55:04-05:00Gene Bednarz enlisted after watching the film Guadalcanal Diary about the 1st Marine Division. Soon, he found himself attached to that exact Division in the South Pacific.
Joe Ayres: A Lucky Shot Earned Him a Spot
Doug Meffley2019-10-08T21:43:43-05:00Joe Ayres was a student at Northeast Missouri State Teachers College when the United States formally entered World War II. Two years later, he enlisted in the Army and played a role in three critical battles that helped end the war in Europe.
Clelia Ginay: 98-Year-Old Navy Officer Recalls Early Life Challenges
Doug Meffley2019-09-13T11:00:50-05:00Early in life, Clelia Ginay experienced a great deal of misfortune, but she persevered. She said “My life started when I joined the Navy.”
William Bike: Role of Merchant Marine in WWII Finally Recognized
Doug Meffley2019-08-02T20:46:36-05:00U.S. Merchant Marine World War II Manteno, [...]
Two powerful Veterans Day stories
marc.zarefsky2019-02-08T21:35:50-06:00ABC 7 Chicago recently told the unique stories of John Ullinskey and Bernie Bluestein, two incredible veterans who flew with Honor Flight Chicago.