Centenarian Joe Balogh: A Testament to Resilience and Bravery on Blue Ridge Honor Flight

In the heart of Franklin County, North Carolina, a centenarian named Joe Balogh is preparing for a special journey that will take him from Asheville to Washington, D.C. on a Blue Ridge Honor Flight. At 103 years old, Balogh is one of a rapidly dwindling group of brave individuals who served during World War II. His resilience and mobility are a true testament to his strength of character.

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. There, he faced harrowing experiences 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, displaying his unwavering dedication and bravery.

Now, as he prepares for the Blue Ridge Honor Flight, Balogh is eager to reunite with his fellow veterans and share their stories and memories from their time in service together. His commitment to his country extended beyond just serving; he flew a total of 106 missions during World War II, making an incredible contribution to the war effort that will never be forgotten.