Happy Birthday George and thank you so much for your service!
George Klopp Sr. (left) with Clarence Cook, JC Lewis and George Lingg. Photo by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.
(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - The last four living World War II veterans in Dearborn County were all under one roof on Friday afternoon.
Clarence Cook, JC Lewis and George Lingg made their way to the Lawrenceburg Eagles to celebrate the 99th birthday of George Klopp Sr., who will officially turn 99 years old on Sunday.
Upcoming WWII Veteran Birthdays
- JC Lewis, June 1 (will be 98)
- Goerge Lingg, August 1 (will be 100)
- Clarence Cook, October 26 (will be 99)
Klopp was greeted by a host of fellow veterans, family members, and community members. He received birthday cards and gifts, including a 12-pack of his favorite beer.
Klopp joined the U.S. Navy in June of 1944 during WWII. At just 18 years old, he was shipped overseas (destination unknown at that time) for a total of 22 months. He sailed on an old British Cargo Ship converted to a Troop Ship, traveling through the Panama Canal and zig zagging through the Pacific. They finally docked and Klopp was assigned to a Navy Base Hospital in Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, providing perimeter security. After serving at the Base Hospital, he was transferred to a Naval Station in Tutuila, Samoa for 7-9 months where he was an Electrician Mate hooking up ship wires.
For his service, Klopp was awarded with The World War II Victory Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and The American Area Campaign Medal. Read more about his military career here.
You can see part of today's birthday celebration below.
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