Early Life and War Experience
Bill Glennon, a Navy veteran, moves swiftly despite his age of 101. The suggestion to visit the Wall of Honor at the Prairie Path senior living community prompts him to rush to the elevator, unaffected by his walker. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, Glennon is more surprised by his longevity than reflective on his accomplishments.
Asked about advice for those aspiring to his milestone, Glennon expresses amazement at his own existence, attributing his long life to the goodwill of the Lord and his enjoyment of life. Glennon, a Maywood native, has led a fulfilling life, one that could have ended early in the icy North Pacific Ocean.
On December 7, 1941, at age 17, as Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Glennon joined the Navy the next day. He recalls wanting the Air Force, but they weren’t accepting recruits then. Inducted into the Navy Air Corps, Glennon trained as a gunner, stationed in a machine gun turret on a PV-1 Ventura. His missions involved shooting down enemy aircraft while bombing Japanese targets, occurring routinely every three days for nearly a year.
The North Pacific Survival
On one mission, enemy fire brought down Glennon’s plane, plunging him and six crew members into remote waters off Alaska’s coast. Glennon, then 18, questioned his survival chances. The last to exit the plane, Glennon deployed his flotation device, assisting five crew members onto it and watching another swim for safety.
Fortunately, nearby fishermen noticed the plane’s lights and heard a shot Glennon fired for attention. They rescued Glennon and his comrades, including an unconscious colleague. The fishermen took all to their village, saving their lives.
For four days, villagers cared for the men until the Navy retrieved them, transporting them to a hospital in Seattle for recovery. Once fit for duty, Glennon received orders to the South Pacific, assigned as a gunnery school instructor on an island base. Post-war, Glennon returned to Maywood, marrying his fiancée Virginia, and started a teaching career, eventually becoming a principal at Butler Junior High School in Oak Brook.
Family and Retirement
Glennon kept his war experiences private, viewing defending democracy as a necessary duty. The Glennons enjoyed 75 years of marriage, blessed with three children, seven grandchildren, and expanding great-grandchildren. The family resided in Western Springs, and post-retirement, Glennon and Virginia took up golf. They later moved to Prairie Path, residing there until Virginia’s passing nearly five years ago.
Glennon values love, crediting his wonderful life to luck. Surrounded by friends and supportive staff at Prairie Path, Glennon remains active. His routine includes breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by outdoor walks for fresh air. Though he stopped driving three years ago, Glennon remains quick despite using a walker.
Daily exercise occurs in the center’s fitness room, accompanied by activities like music and fitness classes. Glennon participates actively and enjoys a daily Manhattan with lunch. His family resides in the Chicago area, frequently visiting him. Sundays are reserved for dinner at his daughter Adriene’s place.
A Life of Reflection
Glennon reflected on his past before the Wall of Honor at Prairie Path. The display shows his youthful Navy photograph alongside other resident veterans with their military branch insignias. Although approaching his 102nd birthday in October, Glennon resists commenting on world changes, avoiding politics.
His life, Glennon insists, has been fortunate. He admits that times seemed easier in the past but embraces his life today with gratitude.
Bill Glennon’s resilience and perspective on life offer a glimpse into the experiences of a centenarian who contributed significantly to his country and community.
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