BARNEGAT – A local man who has lived through a century of history recently celebrated his milestone birthday in style. Born on September 22, 1924, Walter Augustyniak has enjoyed a life of adventure, service, and an endless quest for knowledge.
The celebrations began with a gathering at Barnegat VFW Post 10092, where Walter is a member and regular visitor. Several officers from the Barnegat Police Department came to honor the distinguished World War II Marine veteran. Detective Steve Russoniello, a Marine who served in Afghanistan, was among them, alongside Patrolmen Zachary Santos and Seth Summers, both Navy veterans. All three officers wore their dress blues to greet Walter.
Mayor Joe Marte, a Navy veteran himself, presented Walter with an official township proclamation honoring his incredible life and legacy. Walter received recognition for his military service, family, and professional accomplishments.
Walter Augustyniak, 100, holds up the book he wrote in 2017 detailing his experiences as a marine during World War II. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
“Very impressive,” said Marte. “The Township of Barnegat is inspired by Walter’s active membership in Barnegat VFW Post 10092, his undying patriotism, and his long-time dedication to helping others.”
A representative from Congressman Jeff Van Drew’s office handed Walter a folded flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol in his name and a congressional proclamation signed by Van Drew. Walter also received the first of four challenge coins that day alone – a military token of deep respect and fraternity.
Others who spoke at the VFW gathering included Barbara Kim-Hagemann, first woman to be installed as State Commander for New Jersey’s Veterans of Foreign Wars, representatives from the American Legion and a contingency from the Cpl. William H. Smith Detachment Marine Corps League in Bayville.
“We decided to make you an honorary member of our detachment,” said Bill Pivarnick, “We would also like to have you as a guest of honor when we celebrate the 249th birthday of the Marines Corps on November 9.”
Barnegat Police Chief Jason Carroll congratulated the centurion and revealed that the entire police department had signed a card to send him their best wishes.
Walter Augustyniak sits with his son and daughter. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
A Life Well Lived
Walter Augustyniak was born in a small coal-mining town with a population of approximately 5,000 people, located about 10 minutes from Wilkes-Barre, PA. His parents were both Polish immigrants as were many of the residents in the small community.
A large number of the locals, including Walter’s father and brothers, worked in the mines. As a result, they became very ill and died from silicosis. Walter said his father put 30 years in the mines and literally choked to death.
After graduating high school as class valedictorian at age 16, Walter was determined not to work in the mines. Instead, he chose to enlist in the military, which required his mother’s signature. She was hesitant to agree, even though the United States was not yet involved in World War II.
One of the hardest things Walter left behind when he left for the service, was the girl who lived two doors down, Gertrude “Neshie” Pezzner. He fondly remembered holding hands with her and how happy he was when she promised to wait for him.
When Walter was on a weekend furlough during boot camp, Walter learned that the Japanese had just bombed Pearl Harbor. He returned to boot camp with his mother in tears.
A series of aptitude tests resulted in Walter scoring exceptionally well, demonstrating his high intelligence. He was assigned to the aviation unit of the Marines and trained as an aircraft armorer, focusing on the maintenance and use of a top-secret Norden bombsight.
“I finished a service school at Quantico, and they sent me to a higher-up service school about 40 miles away,” shared Walter. “It was a proving ground and super secret. You couldn’t talk about it outside the classroom – one guy blabbed and he was gone. We never saw him again.”
Photos chronicled Walter Augustyniak’s military career. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
“The Germans were pursuing something similar, and they were giving up,” Walter continued. “They gave up because it looked hopeless. This was a Navy project, and we finished it.”
Walter has a bombsight on display in his home office that sits as a memory of his past work. He plans to donate the treasured relic.
Throughout his military service, Walter was entrusted with high level tasks and traveled with a general. It was critical that a bombsight expert was available. Some of his time was on the American Samoa island, where many of the others stationed with him became sick.
“They all came down with a pretty bad communicable disease called elephantiasis,” said Walter. “I didn’t go out at night to other parts of the island. I didn’t get it.”
Walter’s memoir, “Adventures of a Young Marine in WWII,” published in 2017, details his wartime experiences, though he never intended to publish it. “I wrote it for my family,” Walter shared. “I didn’t take notes – couldn’t take notes back then. But once I started writing from memory, the stories just came flooding back.”
After four and a half years of military service, Walter returned home. There were no jobs and the government only paid him $20 a week for his time. Walter thought about reenlisting – until Nessie told him she wouldn’t have it. She was done waiting.
The couple married shortly after, raising three children – Nancy, Paul, and Michael. Sadly, Nessie died after 66 years of marriage in 2013. Their youngest son Michael passed away two years ago. However, the family legacy continues with four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Walter Augustyniak has a Norden bombsight in his home office that he attends to donate. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Walter’s professional career included 30 years with Bell Labs, followed by five years at Lockheed. He’s done plenty of coursework and had lots of training experience, but never earned a college degree. Yet, Walter supervised many who were older than him with higher formal academic achievements. He also became known as an expert in radiation physics and was brought on as an atomic particle accelerator consultant by both Harvard University and Vanderbilt University.
“It was because I wanted to learn,” said Walter. “I was intrigued, especially by physics and just couldn’t get enough. I’ve never lost the desire to learn.”
When asked about the secret to his longevity, Walter gave a simple but inspiring answer: exercise. He jogged for 20 years. When that became too hard on his knees, Walter switched to cycling. He continued bike riding for another 25 years, keeping at it until he was 92.
“Your mind clears, and everything just goes on automatic pilot,” he smiled. “I loved that feeling. It’s like a high.”
The man who once sprinted through his lunch breaks is still sharp at 100, with a mind still eager to learn and engage. “I’ve never lost the desire to keep learning,” Walter repeated. “That’s what keeps me going.”
And while some might not expect a centurion to know much about modern technology, Walter’s quite proficient. The laptop that sits on his desk in his home office is his fifth computer. The first was somewhat of a bribe from one of the two universities that wanted him to serve as a consultant.
Several members of Barnegat Police came to celebrate Walter Augustyniak’s 100th birthday. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
More Celebrations
The VFW celebration was a couple of days before Walter’s actual birthday. A party at Lefty’s Tavern in Barnegat included close family members and friends. The surprise gift was none other than Walter’s book, perhaps the best party favor anyone had ever received.
Late on the afternoon of Walter’s birthday, a drive-by parade of his Pheasant Run neighbors capped off the festivities. Lights flashed and horns beeped as the mayor and police made one more appearance to salute a man with lots of stories in the last 100 years.
Walter’s love for his country continues in every aspect of his life.
“It may sound a bit corny, but the sight of the flag really, really woos me,” shared Walter. “I can’t pass up taking a second or third look because it’s there.”
Semper fi, Walter Augustyniak – and happy 100th birthday!
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