Blenko Walter J 1899

Walter John Blenko [4169]

1899 -1978

Father Nm: William John Blenko [3176] born 8.12.1854 Bethnal Green died 23.11.1933 Milton W. Virginia ; Oldest known ancestor – Huett Blencowe, C1720, Wolverton.

Mother Nm: Sarah Ann Balman [6593] 1868.

Marriage Dt: 15 Sep 1921 • Marquette, Marquette, Michigan, USA

K comments: Brother William Henry served with the US Army Air Services. Son John Walter Jnr served with US Army in WW2 and nephew William Henry Jnr served with US ArmyAir Services in WW2. Son Don Balman served after his law degree in the US Naval Reserve post WW2.

Spouse comments: Leah Ardis Jones B: 29 Mar 1899 in Iron Mountain, Michigan D: 20 May 1996

Children: Don Balman Blenko 1922–2013, John Walter Jnr 1926-2019

(Research): Walter B. Ancestry.

Birth

4 MAR 1899 • London, England

Emigrated to the USA with family in 1899

1900 Census Howard, Indiana

Wm J Blanco 45
Sarah Blanco 31
Grace A Blanco 6
Wm H Blanco 3
Walter J Blanco 1

1910 Census Port Marion, Fayette, Philadelphia

William J Blenko 54 Glass manufacturer
Sarah Blenko 41
Grace Blenko 16
William Blenko Jr 13
Walter Blenko 11
Gertrude Blenko 2

Royal Air Force

WW1

Blenko Walter John, Officer Cadet, 2^ndLt.(Hon Comms.1920) 272571, RAF.

Walter John registered for the US draft and in the 1930 US Census states, he served in the military in World War 1.

1918

He served with the RAF from 1918 as a Cadet Officer. There were many British born men living in the US who served with the RAF as well as Canadian, Australian residents etc as this was the first Air Force to be established.

27^th Sept. Enlisted with RAF in Toronto age 19 years 6 months. Occupation Student.
RAF Officer Cadets 1918. The white hatband denoting cadet status.

1919

4^th Jan. RAF records state Walter was discharged surplus to requirements it seems (from the two records below) that Walter originally left the RAF 22^nd December 1918 but records later were amended to credit service until 4^th Jan. 1919. Later in recognition of service, he was granted an Honorary Commission to 2^nd Lieut. in 1920.

1920

2^nd Mar. London Gazette Supplement 2^nd Mar 1920 pg 2469. The undermentioned Canadian Cadets are granted Honorary Commissions as 2^nd Lt., with effect from the dates of their demobilisation: —272571 Walter John Blenko.

Gazette announcement identifies Walter as a Canadian Forces member, this appears to have been a route for British Citizens living in the US who wanted to enter the war. That joins the Canadian Expeditionary Force to Europe.

Medals

No medals awarded but entitled to wear Canadian War badge Class C.

Awarded to those not included in Class A or B who were discharged for reasons other than misconduct. Those who served in Canada only are entitled.

After the War

1920 Attended and Graduated Carnegie Institute of Technology -Applied Science.

1920 Census Fairfield, Ohio

21 Wheeling St.

William J Blenko 65
Sarah Blenko 51
William H Blenko 22
Walter Blenko 20 Mechanical Engineer
Gertrude Blenko 12

1930 Census Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania

Walter J Blenko 31 Attorney
Ardis Blenko 31
Walter J Blenko 3[3 10/12]
Don B Blenko 0[11/12]
Mary Parrish 16

John (centre back) in attendance of a business meeting.

Arrival New York 18 Nov 1930

On SS Majestic from Southampton, England

Walter and Ardis Blenko.

Arrival New York 24 May 1934

On SS Bremen from Cherbourg, France

Walter and Ardis Blenko.

Arrival New York 29 May 1939

On SS Nieuw Amsterdam from Plymouth, England

All the family.

Arrival New York 2 Dec 1950

On SS Mauretania from Southampton, England

Walter and Ardis Blenko.

Walter John Blenko had two children, Walter John Blenko, Jr. (“Walter”), and Don B. Blenko. One of Don B. Blenko’s children is Don B. Blenko, Jr. (“Don”). Walter’s primary occupation has been as a patent attorney with the law firm of Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Don’s primary occupation has been as a real estate entrepreneur throughout Europe.