Amy Klobuchar: “I rise today to posthumously honor U.S. Army Captain Willibald Charles Bianchi of New Ulm, MN, a true American patriot…”

“I rise today to posthumously honor U.S. Army Captain Willibald Charles Bianchi of New Ulm, MN, a true American patriot who courageously served our country and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation. On August 11, 2025, Captain Bianchi's remains were identified--more than 80 years after he died in service to our country. Since the founding of our democracy, each person who has worn the uniform has left their mark on our Nation as they defended our freedom. Captain Willibald Bianchi was no different. Born in New Ulm, MN, and raised on a poultry farm, Captain Bianchi, like many Minnesotans before him, initially aspired to follow in his father's footsteps and become a farmer. Instead, he went on to serve in World War II with the greatest generation. In 1940, Captain Bianchi commissioned as an Army second lieutenant and was deployed to the Philippines, joining the conflict in the Pacific theater. In 1942, during his deployment, Captain Bianchi volunteered to help clear a series of Japanese machinegun nests and continued leading the attack even when wounded multiple times, his heroism earning him the Medal of Honor. While he was later captured and died aboard a Japanese prisoner of war ship, his recovery reflects our Nation's commitment to bringing our missing heroes home--no matter how much time has passed. We can never serve any veteran in quite the same way they served us.”