Brothers share honors in flag-raising ceremony

Two brothers from Superior who served in World War II will be honored with a flag raising ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday in front of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. Everyone is welcome to attend the Flags of Honor ceremony in memory of Ernest and Donald Dalbec.

Ernest A. Dalbec, a lifelong Superior resident, served with the United States Army Air Force in air/sea rescue in the South Pacific. He joined the service in January of 1943 at the age of 19 and served as a marine engineer. He took part in the air offensive in Japan, ground combat in Borneo, anti-submarine work and war efforts in the Southern Philippines, Luzon, the Western Pacific and Ryukyus, according to his discharge papers. He was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Philippines Liberation Ribbon with one star and the Good Conduct Medal. Ernest Dalbec was honorably discharged Jan. 3, 1946.

Ernest Dalbec retired in 1985 after many years of service as a machine operator with the Superior Water, Light and Power Co. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 31 and the Henry S. Blomberg VFW Post 847. When he died in 1990, he was survived by his wife, Eleanor and children Dennis, Darrell, Sandie and Denise.

Donald L. Dalbec was born in Blueberry, Wis. He served his country in the United States Army during World War II and served in the Asiatic Theater in the Philippines. Donald Dalbec entered into active military service on March 10, 1945, at age 18. He served as a heavy truck driver and was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Philippine Independence Ribbon. Donald Dalbec was honorably discharged July 3, 1948.

Donald Dalbec married Ruth Lido on Sept. 8, 1972 and they celebrated 33 years of marriage before his death in 2005. He had been employed as a police officer with the city of Superior, retiring as a sergeant after 30 years of service. He was a members of the Wisconsin Professional Policeman’s Association and the former Henry S. Blomberg VFW Post 847. He was survived by his wife and children Deb, Patty, Lisa, Larry, Rick, Greg, Mark, Jason and Tyler.

Information about and pictures of the brothers will be on display at the center for a week, as well.

Tags: news, military, family