This article from the Southtown Star features Local 141 member Michael Bilder.
January 22, 2010
BY STEVE METSCH
Surrounded by relatives, a 90-year-old man was sitting in a comfy chair in his modest Chicago Ridge home Thursday, his legs covered with a blanket and oxygen tubes helping him breathe.
It was a special day for former soldier Michael Bilder, one that brought back bittersweet memories of World War II.
In recognition of his valor in May 1945 in Czechoslovakia, Bilder was presented with a medal from Marek Skolil, consul general of the Czech Republic.
Bilder received the Honorary Remembrance Medal to the 90th Anniversary of the Czech Republic.
The medal is awarded to soldiers from the republic or other nations who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the Czech Republic.
Bilder was among the U.S. soldiers who liberated Milesice and Mullerschlag on May 6, 1945, just two days before Germany surrendered.
Skolil made the presentation on behalf of Martin Bartak, the Czech minister of defense.
"Thanks to your actions and deeds, Czechoslovakia was liberated from the tyranny of the Nazi rule. We will never forget what you have done for the liberty and freedom of your nation," Bartak wrote in a letter Skolil presented to Bilder.
Skolil said he was, "proud and moved to be able to recognize the contribution of Americans like you to the freedom and prosperity of our country."
Bilder smiled when handed the medal.
"Oh, that's very nice. That's beautiful. It's too bad I have to get something like this when I'm 90," he said to laughter.
"Better late than never," Skolil said.
Bilder's stay in Czechoslovakia was brief but memorable.
"It took us four attempts to take the town and then push (the Nazis) back. Four attempts to take it, and we finally did," he said.
The Nazis shot to death 12 Czechs "because they were nice to us," Bilder said.
"I'll never forget the cruelty of the Nazis. The Czech people were very kind to us. (They had) big hearts," Bilder said.
Bilder, who has received other awards for valor, including two Bronze Stars and France's Legion of Honor, has not returned to Europe.
"Too many sad memories for me," he said.
Sometimes, he dreams about the war. Sometimes, his dreams are nightmares.
"I accept this medal on behalf of all my comrades who served in the 5th Infantry Division during the Second World War, many of whom never returned," Bilder said.
Bilder's son Jim, former mayor of Worth, helped him write a book in 2008 about his wartime experiences titled "A Foot Soldier for Patton."
Jim sent a copy of the book to the Czech government, setting in motion the award of the medal.
Bilder gave Skolil a copy of the book.
Serving under Gen. George Patton was no picnic. Bilder recalled Patton saying, "I don't care how many men you lose" regarding a planned assault.
Bilder was a rifleman in the 5th Infantry of Patton's Third Army. Because Bilder spoke German, he often was called on to interrogate prisoners.
In Czechoslovakia, after helping liberate 118 Jewish women and girls at Volary, Bilder spoke German to captured soldiers who were ordered to dig graves for their 93 victims.
Because no shovels were available, the Germans were ordered to use their hands.
On Thursday, memories flowed through the Bilder home. So did a little wine.
"Dad, this is to you in appreciation for all you have done," Jim Bilder said as glasses were raised to his father, the war hero.
AFTER THE WAR, A RETURN TO CHICAGO
The toughest thing Michael Bilder had to do upon his return to Chicago after the war was "learn to talk to people again."
It wasn't like talking to soldiers. There was no 'See that guy in the tree? Take him out,' " Bilder said.
On Aug. 11, 1945, just two days after his discharge, he married Mary Fairfield, whom he dated before the war. They met in July 1940 on a blind date.
Mary died in 2004, one week after their 59th anniversary. Bilder has five children, 15 grandchildren and 10 (soon to be 12) great-grandchildren.
Bilder worked as a carpenter from 1946 to 1970, building his home and many others around the Southwest Side.
He taught at Chicago's Washburne Trade School from 1971 until he retired in 1984.
Bilder was a part-time police officer and building inspector in Chicago Ridge for a few years. He also was a village trustee from 1963 to 1969.
