Korea War vet from Roselle to get high school diploma 56 years later

William Miotke wanted to live a typical teen's life and earn a high school diploma, but the Korean War didn't cooperate.

His deployment with the Air Force as a 17-year-old in 1951 prevented him from receiving a diploma. Though he went on to a career as a mechanic with American Airlines, the lack of a diploma haunted him over the last 56 years.

"If I would have had a high school diploma, maybe a college degree, I might have been able to move up the corporate ladder," the 72-year-old Miotke said.

On Jan. 17, Schaumburg-Palatine High School District 211 is offering the retired Roselle man a chance for the high school diploma that war stole from him.

Saying he wants to set an example for his three young grandchildren, Miotke called District 211 officials last month to take advantage of a state law that allows Korean War vets to receive a high school diploma.

"It's just something I've felt that I've missed out," he said. "I've got to set an example, not only for my grandkids, but maybe others."

Joined by his family, Miotke will receive the diploma Jan. 17 at a school board meeting.

Teen life disrupted

Miotke grew up in Jefferson Park on Chicago's Northwest side, attending Taft High School. He recalls the day that changed his life. A neighbor stopped by his house to tell Miotke about the Army Corps, and his time deployed fighting in World War II. Miotke paid close attention to the neighbor's stories about military airplanes.

"I've always been very mechanically interested in things," he said.

The neighbor suggested Miotke could work on airplanes while in the military. Miotke was hooked.

Not long later, the 16-year-old Miotke signed papers to join the Illinois National Guard Reserve.

"My parents had to sign for me," Miotke recalls. "I really wanted to work on airplanes, so they were all for it."

But his hobby came with a price. With the Korean War starting in 1950, the guard came calling for Miotke in 1951, halting his high school life. He arrived in France and spent 21 months as an aircraft mechanic stationed at the Laon Air Base. He helped train French airmen who would eventually fight in the Vietnam War.

Serving as a member of the 168th Bomb Squadron, Miotke worked on propeller planes, such as the Douglas B-26 light bomber, which where adorned with the squadron's black, yellow and red stripes. He left the Air Force with an honorable discharge as a cadet with the rank of Airman 2nd Class.

Setting an example

When Miotke arrived back stateside in 1953, he never returned to Taft. The thought of teachers who had never fought on the battlefield discussing the war felt awkward. The feeling was similar to what many veterans shared.

Instead he used his veterans benefits and enrolled in trade school at Midway Airport where he earned his federal licenses to work on airplanes. That led him to a 42-year career with American Airlines, working at O'Hare International Airport. He traveled abroad to places like Switzerland and Germany for work, and retired as an avionics technical crew chief.

Miotke now has three grandchildren and lives in Roselle. A diploma is more than just a piece of paper to Miotke, and he wants his grandchildren to understand the importance of education. He has a 14-year-old grandson, Greg, and a 10-year-old granddaughter, Tiffany, in addition to a 10-month old grandson.

"In this day and age you need a lot of education in your future," he said.

Miotke heard about a state law enacted in 2001 allowing diplomas for honorably discharged World War II and Korean War vets who had their high school education disrupted. He jumped at the chance.

'Right thing to do'

District 211 Superintendent Roger Thornton said he's thrilled to help Miotke, a member of the "Greatest Generation." He said the moment would bring goosebumps. Miotke's been a District 211 resident for more than 50 years.

"He gained an education in the true battlefield of life, the lessons he learned enhance the freedoms for millions of people in Korea and across the world," Thornton said.

"A high school diploma remains the gateway to a successful adult life," he added.

"If it's this important to him, how much more important can it be to other youngsters, his grandkids in particular?" Thornton said

It's the first time since he has been with the district that a veteran has made the request, he said.

The law is a great way to show appreciation for the sacrifices men and women like Miotke have made, said Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth.

"We owe so much to the brave men and women who have answered the call of duty when their nation needed them," she said. "Through no fault of their own, many of our World War II and Korean War veterans were unable to complete their high school education."

Miotke remains proud of his time in Korea, but his wife wonders why he still wants the diploma.

"It's just something I never had, I would be glad to have it," he said.

The law

Here is a portion of the Illinois law adopted in 2001 allowing World War II and Korean War vets to receive high school diplomas if their education was disrupted by war service.

World War II and Korean Conflict veterans diplomas.

(a) Upon the request, the school board of any district that maintains grades 10 through 12 may award a diploma to any honorably discharged veteran who:

(1) served in the armed forces of the United States during World War II or the Korean Conflict;

(2) resided within an area currently within the district;

(3) left high school before graduating in order to serve in the armed forces of the United States; and

(4) has not received a high school diploma.