WWII Hero Air Force Vet Celebrates 100th Birthday

December 1, 2019

On November 29, 2019, the Air National Guard 104th Fighter Wing in Westfield, Massachusetts threw a surprise birthday party for retired Col. Edwin J. Malikowski on November 25, 2019, who turned 100 on November 29th.  Malikowski spent 39 years in service through the Army and Air National Guard.

In January 1941, Edwin J. Malikowski was called to active duty and served in World War II as a platoon sergeant. In February of 1945, he was given a rare honor of a battlefield commission to second lieutenant and then two months later was awarded a battlefield promotion to first lieutenant.

His combat record includes service in Northern France, Ardennes- Alsace, Germany, and Central Europe. Additionally, Malikowski served in the notorious Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive on the Western Front during WWII. Colonel Malikowski received two Bronze Stars for his efforts, the first for meritorious service and the second for valor.

U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Camille Lienau

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