Old Fashion Masonic Podcast - Episode 29 – Medal of Honor Winner – Bro. Erwin R. Bleckley – Kansas Freemason

This episode is all about Honoring Erwin Bleckley, a true American hero who received the Medal of Honor for his brave actions during World War I. Erwin Bleckley was a member of Albert Pike Lodge in Wichita, KS. Most Worshipful Bob Talbott sits down with Brian Byrd to talk about this outstanding Kansas Mason.

Bleckley was a navigator on a mission to deliver supplies to a trapped battalion when his plane was shot down behind enemy lines. Despite the danger, he volunteered to fly on a search and rescue mission to locate the lost battalion. Bleckley and his crew were tragically killed in action, but his selflessness and courage will never be forgotten.

Bleckley was commemorated by the city of Wichita in 1932 with the naming of Bleckley Drive, at the request of the American Legion. Following the war, his remains were permanently buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial east of the village of Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, France.

Bleckley's family donated his Medal of Honor to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. The original copy of the award document is located in the Museum of the Kansas National Guard in Topeka, KS along with other personal momentoes and personal items belonging to Lt. Bleckley. A monument commemorating Bleckley and Goettler's final flight was erected on October 7, 2009, in Remicourt, ninety-one years and one day after they were killed.

Let us remember and honor his sacrifice, and all those who have served and continue to serve our country.

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This podcast reflects the views of only the members participating in the podcast. They do not necessarily reflect the views of their Lodge, Shrine Center or Grand Lodge Jurisdiction.