Honoree: Major Julius Okrzesik, USAF
Major Okrzesik enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces on May 27, 1942. After completing P-40 fighter and P-51 reconnaissance training, he deployed to England in February 1944 as part of the 9th Air Force, 67th Group, 107th Squadron, where he flew bombing and reconnaissance missions over France, Belgium, and Germany. After D-Day, he was moved to the 89th Group in Paris, continuing his missions, following the line of fighting. Overall, Major Okrzesik flew 87 successful missions throughout the European theatre. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross; the Bronze Star Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters; the Air Medal with fifteen Oak Leaf Clusters; the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal for service over England, Belgium, France, and Germany; and six Unit Citations. He returned stateside in August 1945. Julius remained active in the Air Force Reserves until June, 1964.
In addition to his military service, Major Okrzesik joined government service as an Air Traffic Controller for the Federal Aviation Administration in 1949, rising to a position as Crew Chief in the Chicago sector where he retired in 1974. Major Okrzesik is now retired and about to celebrate his 97th birthday.