Col. Walter L. Bzibziak, 92
BOURNE — Col. Walter L. Bzibziak, 92, passed away Sept. 2, 2012, at Bourne Manor Extended Care Facility.
He was born in Buffalo, N.Y., to Leo and Mary (Govern) Bzibziak on May 13, 1920.
He graduated from Hutchinson Central Technical High School in Buffalo and worked for the telephone company, before enlisting in the Army Air Corps on March 12, 1942. As a pilot, he flew B-17s over Europe during World War II. His service career took him through World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. During the course of his career he flew many aircraft, but his favorite was the B-17. During the 2nd Schweinfurt Mission, Oct. 14, 1943, Black Thursday, the famous air battle had 219 bomber planes going up, with 77 lost and 121 damaged. Walter's plane sustained 302 holes. He was stationed at Otis Air Force Base in 1955, where he served until his retirement. Other postings include Greenland, Seattle, and the Philippines.
He never considered himself a hero — just a survivor. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal 3 Oak Clusters, Presidential Citation 4 Oak Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, American Campaign Medal, Europe/Africa/Middle East Campaign Medal, World War II Medal, Army of Occupation Medal-Germany, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Air Force Reserve Medal- Bronze, and the Presidential Unit Citation. He retired from Otis Air Force Base on June 30, 1970.
Upon retirement, Walter went to work as the superintendent, managing the Forbes' Nuachon Island Trust, and retired after five years. In 2000, Walter attended the West Haven VA, Connecticut computer school for the blind, where he learned new life skills which opened up a whole new world for him to meet and keep in touch with friends.
He was active with the Ham Radio Club of Falmouth, the Knights of Columbus, the Blinded Veterans Association in Boston and Providence, the 379th Bomb Group, and the Second Schweinfurt Memorial Association. The SSMA meets once a year to commemorate the air battle and now has members from both side of the conflict, Americans and Germans, who were as young as 14 at the time. The Germans have hosted the reunion several times, the first after 9/11/01, when Walter, then blind, traveled to the reunion by himself, quite a feat for a "blind guy." He was active for many years with the Falmouth Road Race and the Barnstable County Fair.
He is survived by his present wife, Constance Bzibziak; son Guy Bzibziak of Everett; stepchildren Robert and Marjorie Campbell of Pocasset; and nephews Lesley Kuhn of Seneca Falls, N.Y., and Robert Ciepiela of Buffalo.
He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy, stepson David Vincent, sisters Mary Ciepiela and Anne Marie Bzibziak of Buffalo, and nephew Gerald Ciepiela of Buffalo.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Bourne Manor and Hospice and Palliative Care of Cape Cod for their compassionate care and kindness during his last days with us.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, in St. Joseph's Church, 33 Mill Field St., Woods Hole, MA 02543; 508-548-0990.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations made in his name to the Second Schweinfurt Memorial Association, 13 Wicklow Court, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648, attn: Dick Fox.
For online guest book and directions, www.ccgfuneralhome.com.
