(Tribune News Service) — After anti-aircraft shells began exploding outside of his cockpit window during his first mission, Army pilot Tom Wiley didn't expect to survive World War II, let alone live to be 100 years old.

Despite some close calls and turbulent flights during two years of active duty, Wiley celebrated his centenary on June 23. He's one of fewer than 10,000 living World War II veterans in Pennsylvania.

"His service and sacrifices during WWII serve as an inspiration to us all, and we are privileged to celebrate this incredible milestone with him," said Atria Assistant Executive Director Jennifer Scott.

Wiley is officially credited with 57 missions after enlisting in the Army Air Corps on Dec. 7, 1942 — one year after Pearl Harbor — including a bombing run in southern Germany that he still can't fully explain. His squadron of B-17 bombers passed through a thunderhead cloud, and when Wiley emerged, his plane was the only one remaining. With fuel running short and no navigator to guide the crew home, they set out on a glide path to southern Italy — sending them straight for the Alps.

Suddenly, a voice barked over the intercom: "Pull-up!" Wiley veered the plane upwards, the force popping a few rivets loose and splintering the radio room floor. None of the crew members claimed to have given the command that likely saved their lives.

"I guess I'll have to wait and ask St. Peter, 'Who was our guardian angel that time?'" Wiley wrote in his unpublished autobiography.

After flying over enemy lines in northern Italy, the crew changed direction towards Italy's eastern shore, turned south and followed the coast to their home airbase. They identified themselves to the tower operator, who refused permission to land because the crew had already been marked missing in action. Wiley landed anyway.

The engines died just as he parked the plane, ending an 11 hour and 15 minute flight — three hours longer than the plane's fuel should have allowed.

On his final leave, Wiley married Mary Norman, and they would have four children, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She died in 1999 from complications of Parkinson's disease. Wiley began dating Joan Dawson, who also lost her spouse, two years later. They've been together since.

Wiley worked for U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh for 22 years beginning in 1960, marketing the company's products to farmers. He also served as an adult Boy Scout leader for more than 25 years.

Jim Wiley, one of Tom's sons, said his father never talked about the war or his accomplishments when Jim was growing up. Now that Tom struggles with memory loss, Jim is especially thankful for all of the writing and speaking his father has done about his life.

"My dad...he was obsessive about documenting his life," Wiley said.

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