Joe Balogh, a 103-year-old World War II veteran from Franklin County, North Carolina, is preparing for a special Blue Ridge Honor Flight from Asheville to Washington, D.C. Balogh is part of a dwindling group of brave individuals who served during that historic war.
At the height of 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 grueling, 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.
Despite reaching the supposed limit of 68 air missions, Balogh continued to serve, demonstrating his unwavering dedication and bravery. Now, 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 far beyond his military service; he flew a total of 106 missions during World War II, making him a true hero and an inspiration to many.