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Joseph J. Balek registered for the draft on 30 June 1942 and was inducted into the Army on 12 February 1943.

Pvt Balek was promoted to Pfc on 21 July 1944.

Pfc Balek's military decorations include the Silver Star, Purple Heart and the Bronze Service Arrowhead device awarded for participation in the Normandy assault.

HE was discharged on 10 November 1945 and re-enlisted 10 days later. His final date of discharge is unknown.