CHRIS FOX PHOTOS
Sir Peter Gilea, a Lombard resident and a World War II veteran, turned 100 years old on Sunday, May 30. Gilea’s family joined his fellow members of Lombard’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Lilac Post 5815 to attend the May 29 parade and party outside of his Lombard home, which is across the street from Montini Catholic High School. The parade included vehicles from the DuPage County Sheriff’s Department and the York Center Fire Protection District. Dennis Jensen, the commander of Lilac Post 5815, read a resolution from York Township Supervisor John Valle that recognized Gilea’s birthday. Moments later, Lombard Village President Keith Giagnorio read a proclamation honoring Gilea. The top photo shows Giagnorio (left) reading the proclamation. The resolution and proclamation both noted Gilea’s distinguished service in the United States Army as a tank commander in Europe during World War II. Gilea and his unit landed at Utah Beach in France on July 13, 1944. In the ensuing months, Gilea received the Bronze Star Medal and two Purple Heart decorations. Gilea was awarded the Legion of Honor Medal by the French government. In 2016, the U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association made Gilea a Knight in the Order of St. George.
