Nestor Chylak recovered from a World War II accident that nearly rendered him blind to become the model umpire of the post-war era.

Chylak, a son of Ukrainian immigrant parents, was serving in the United States Army during the infamous Battle of the Bulge when he was wounded by shrapnel from an exploding shell. He was hospitalized for eight weeks with bandages over his eyes before recovering with his eyesight intact. He was later awarded both the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his courage in battle.