Francis B. Hodorowski appeared deep in thought Tuesday as he stared at an image of a young man in an Army uniform decorated with honors.
His expression turned to pride as the World War II veteran surveyed his likeness on the front of a printed program for a Veterans Day event at the Olyphant American Legion.
The image is from more than eight decades ago. Hodorowski is approaching his 100th birthday.
State Rep. Kyle Mullins attends a Veterans Day event Tuesday. He is shown lauding WWII veteran Francis B. Hodorowski for his service to his country and the community. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Larry Boyarsky of the Olyphant American Legion is shown presenting WWII veteran Francis B. Hodorowski with a plaque in recognition of his military service on Nov. 11, 2025.
State Rep. Kyle Mullins presents Francis B. Hodorowski with a certificate of recognition at a Veterans Day event Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in Olyphant. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Olyphant Mayor, Jonathan Sedlak presents a proclamation to WWII veteran John B. Hodorowksi and his wife Florence Hodorowski at a Veterans Day service on Nov. 11, 2025. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Show Caption
1 of 4
State Rep. Kyle Mullins attends a Veterans Day event Tuesday. He is shown lauding WWII veteran Francis B. Hodorowski for his service to his country and the community. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
“That was me,” he said. “That was me a long time ago.”
Hodorowski earned a combat infantry badge, good conduct medal, American Theater ribbon and Victory ribbon. In addition to his stellar military record, he is also a wonderful stepdad and community member, his stepson Jamie Bylotas told those in attendance.
“Pop” married Bylotas’ mother Florence in 2001. They were both 75.
“What stands out most about Pop isn’t just his military service — it’s the man he’s been ever since,” Bylotas said. “He’s shown what real honor looks like in the way he treats people, the kindness in his heart and the quiet way he leads by example.”
Florence Hodorowski previously said “I do” to another military man. Her first husband, Army Air Corps Sgt. Edward Bylotas, survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, where he served as a gunner in a ball turret of a B17.
He suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, and Florence was his rock for 47 years, until his death in 1990, Bylotas said. They had five children as they traveled across the country.
“One in nearly every posting,” Bylotas said of his parents. “They used to call us their souvenirs.”
War stories
After Francis Hodorowski married Florence, he shared stories about his military service with her family — some serious and heart-wrenching, others funny.
Hodorowski left to fight in Europe with little training, no gun and without the required buzz cut. The Army desperately needed soldiers, and so he answered the call.
Hodorowski lost his best friend during the war. He believes God saved him for a reason.
He enjoyed telling the bread story. At the end of World War II, in Austria, people cheered and offered fresh bread to soldiers as they marched through town. Some men refused to eat the bread because they thought it was poisoned.
“They were stupid,” Hodorowski said. He not only ate his bread — he ate the other men’s bread too.
Service above self
At the ceremony, Olyphant Mayor Jonathan Sedlak he felt privileged to stand with veterans, their families and the community and honor those whose courage and sacrifice have protected freedom for generations. Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar, he said.
“It is a reminder of the price they pay for the rights and opportunities that we enjoy every day,” he said. “Veterans answer a call that few do, putting service above self, duty and comfort.”
Sedlak also emphasized the price military families pay for their loved ones’ service, often not knowing where they are or if they are safe.
“As we look around the room at our community, we are surrounded with individuals whose stories, experiences and contributions have shaped the very foundation of our nation. We owe each of you a debt that could never be fully repaid,” Sedlak said.
Jack Munley, pastor of Rescue & Restore Church, closed the event in prayer. He said it’s rare to have a World War II veteran in attendance sharing his experiences with others.
The young people who attended the event have the opportunity to share respect for the military with the next generation, he said.