My grandfather, Julius Bielskis, is a veteran of World War I. He served overseas during the time the U.S. Army was involved.   Once he returned home to Detroit Michigan, he joined Captain Phelps Colling Post 173 in 1932. I believe that he was a charter member (but I’m not sure).

My dad, Peter J. Bielskis, joined the Sons of the American Legion in 1939 and continued to be a member until 1945, at which time he became a full member of the American Legion Ford Motor Post 173 located in East Dearborn, Mich. He has been very active in the post over the years, serving as commander and building manager. He was invited to join 40 & 8 National for service to the community and service to the post. He became a member of 40 & 8 Chapter 1002 in Dearborn, Mich. He was awarded a lifetime membership for his service to the post.

Peter joined the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1944. He was assigned to a combat crew on a B-17. He shipped overseas in Feb. 1945 and flew 28 combat missions as the ball turret gunner. He returned home to Detroit in Aug. 1945, married my mother and had two sons: myself and my brother, Lawrence Bielskis. Before going into service, Dad had completed the training from Ford Motor trade school. Upon returning home, he went back to work for Ford Motor for the next 51 years.

Peter’s wife of 47 years, Leona Bielskis, passed away on Jan. 19, 1994.

Dad made three parachute jumps. One at 89 years old and the last tw0 at 96. Two in Texas and one in front of the World War I Museum on Veterans Day.

The only personal note from me is that my dad is my hero. He flew 28 missions inside a B-17 ball turret, so he had no place to hide. At least my service in Vietnam with the 11th ACR gave me somewhere to go and hide, ha-ha!