Congressman Higgins Presents Family of Army Veteran Norman Blatner With Bronze Star & Rare POW Medal

Press Release

United States Army Corporal Norman Blatner was captured during the Battle of Hurtgen Forest and held as a Prisoner of War during World War II but made it back to Western New York thanks to a brave escape and special encounter with a German prison guard. Today, Congressman Brian Higgins will be joined by North Tonawanda Mayor Robert Ortt and others as he presents the Blatner family with the Bronze Star, Prisoner of War medal and other recognitions earned by Corporal Blatner for his service.

"Corporal Blatner's story is one of selfless service, unimaginable circumstances and an incredible Buffalo connection," said Congressman Higgins. "It is truly our honor to deliver these medals to the Blatner family on behalf of a grateful nation."

"It is great to see these medals delivered to the family of Corporal Norman Blatner for his service to our country," stated Mayor Ortt. "We should all be proud of all Western New York veterans."

Norman T. Blatner was born in 1915 and lived in Buffalo before entering active service in the United States Army on December 20, 1943. During WWII he served with Company D for the 112th Regiment, 28th Division and rose to the rank of Corporal.

His Company was involved in the Battle of Hurtgen Forest. The terrain was difficult with steep hills and a dense mass of trees that limited visibility. Under intense fire, many were hit in their foxholes and it is believed over 130 men were captured in total, including Blatner.

Blatner was taken by his captors to Camp Stalag 2a in northern Germany and held as a prisoner of war for seven months from November 8, 1944 through June 8, 1945. The Camp, controlled by Nazi Germany, and outlying sub-camps held over 25,000 prisoners including 950 Americans. The conditions were very difficult, especially during those cold winter months. Food was hard to come by and prisoners were worked seven days a week.

But an interesting connection between Private Blatner's family in Western New York and a German prison guard may have saved his life. The guard asked if he was related to the Blatners who owned Blatner's Delicatessen on Greenfield Street in Buffalo. Private Blatner confirmed the store was owned by his aunt and uncle. It just so happened that the guard and prisoner's family members were friends and the German guard's relatives recently visited Buffalo.

The two never spoke again but after their encounter Private Blatner was transferred to a prison farm and provided with meager nourishment which got him through the next several months until his escape in June of 1945.

On November 7 of 1945 Corporal Blatner was honorably discharged from the United States Army. When he returned home, Blatner married his wife of 71 years Theresa and they had three sons, William, Richard and Norman.

In 1947 Blatner opened a Texaco service station at the corner of Michigan Ave and Best Street in Buffalo, which he operated for several years before he took on a new career in trucking. His son William later reopened Blatner's Auto, which is now located on Erie Street in North Tonawanda.

Corporal Norman Blatner died on July 4, 2013, Independence Day, at the age of 97.

Mr. Blatner's sons recently reached out to Congressman Higgins to request assistance with obtaining the military medals their father earned.

71 years and 3 days after Corporal Blatner began his active duty, Congressman Brian Higgins presented the Blatner family with a number of military commendations including:

The Bronze Star Medal,

POW Medal,

Good Conduct Medal,

American Campaign Medal,

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze service stars,

World War II Victory Medal.

Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award,

Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and

Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for meritorious service in a combat zone and the POW Medal is issued only to those who were taken prisoner and held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.

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