On the recordNovember 13, 2012
today I wish to honor John V. Klobofski, a veteran of World War II. It is my honor to share the story of John's military service because no story of heroism should ever fall through the cracks. John was born in Cleveland, MT, in 1919. After graduating from Chinook High School, he enlisted in the National Guard, where he served for 3 years. He then attended classes at Northern Montana College and worked for the Weather Bureau in Havre. John reenlisted in 1940 and was assigned to the 41st Infantry Division, made up of guardsmen from across the West. As a member of the 163rd Infantry Regiment, John was a part of the campaign to capture New Guinea, which was then under Japanese control. Dubbed Operation Persecution, his unit landed ashore at Aitape on April 22, 1944. Within a number of days, the unit had captured and secured two airfields, and supplies were being delivered to the island. Because of how quickly they were able to seize these airfields, John's unit was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. But fighting continued in the region for several days and many men, including John, were killed. SSG John Klobofski died on April 30, 1944. On October 16, 2012, in the presence of his family, it was my great honor to finally present to John's family his Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart, and a Presidential Unit Citation.…
