By Deborah Larsen
Walter John Berklich
Walter John Berklich was born in Chisholm, Minnesota, on March 18, 1922, the son of George and Bozena Tomicich Berklich. The family moved to Avon Township in 1938 and lived on South Rochester Road.
Before the war, Walter worked for Saylor-Beall Manufacturing Company in Detroit. He entered the U.S. Army Air Forces in July 1943 and trained as an aerial gunner and pilot at several stateside bases. His unit was shipped to England and was part of the 8th Air Force.
While in England, Walter participated in 40 combat missions, including action on D-Day in June 1944. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.
Walter was discharged from military service in November 1945. He married, had a family, and worked for General Dynamics Land Systems Division as a supervisor.
Walter John Berklich died at the age of 60 on March 12, 1983, and was laid to rest in Mount Avon Cemetery.