WWII veteran John Mahler of Center Township said he will often use a Quilt of Valor that he received for his 100th birthday on Friday at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center.

CENTER TWP — Flying over the Algiers during World War II, John Mahler of Center Township never expected to reach the age of 100. But on Monday, Mahler will be doing just that.

“At my age, a lot of my old friends are gone so now I got new ones,” Mahler said.

Mahler was born in Butler on Nov. 12, 1918, a day after World War I ended.

Karen Dunn organized a birthday party for Mahler at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center on Friday.

To the tune of swing music that was popular in the mid-20th century, around 150 people arrived to honor Mahler, who piloted B-17 bombers during the World War II.

In keeping with the theme, Brenda Unghajer of Pittsburgh dressed up like a “pin-up girl,” who were notable during the WWII-era.

Among Friday's attendants was Lt. Gen. William “Gus” Pagonis, who was the director of logistics during the first Gulf War and now lives in Evans City.

“Pilots of B-17s had it rough,” Pagonis said. “They would have a hot meal at the end of the day but that's if they got back.”

He said that the death rate for those pilots was high.

Among the many honors and gifts Mahler received was a Quilt of Valor, which is made by an organization of the same name.

“I need to thank all you people for coming and thank you for all the gifts,” Mahler said. “The quilt I'm going to use quite often. I'm very humbled by you all.”

Mahler piloted B-17s from 1942 to 1945. He said that he was with the 15th Air Force, 97th bomb group in the 342nd squadron.

During this period, he took part in mostly carpet bombing missions over Algeria and Italy. On average, he and a second pilot would fly to 30,000 feet. A few times, he said, he didn't think he would return. Once, he was involved in a mid-air collision with another allied plane.

“We played it by ear. And we thought about ditching it but we were over the Mediterranean (Sea) and we surely would've been POWs if we did that. And who knows what would've happened then,” he said.

These days, Mahler lives an independent life in his home near the center. At least twice a week, he works out at the center's wellness center.