[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 84 (Tuesday, May 22, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2827-S2828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JOHN H. KLETTE, JR.

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, as our Nation pauses on Memorial Day 
to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our Nation 
safe and to protect the liberties we hold dear, I would like to join 
the residents of Park Hills in recognizing one distinguished 
Kentuckian. John H. Klette, Jr., a centenarian veteran of the Second 
World War, will be honored as the grand marshal in the community's 
Memorial Day parade.
  Soon after the United States entered World War II, Klette enlisted at 
the age of 24 to help defeat Nazi Germany. A practicing attorney and a 
licensed pilot, he chose to join the Army Air Corps--the precursor of 
the Air Force--and passed the necessary exams that same day. After 
months of training, he was assigned as a pilot in the 32nd Bombardment 
Squadron of the 301st Bombardment Group and was sent to southern Italy. 
Klette's first mission to Bucharest, Romania, saw significant enemy 
resistance, and his aircraft suffered serious damage. That fight would

[[Page S2828]]

not be the last time Klette saw danger in the line of duty.
  To this day, he remembers what he calls the worst mission of his 
career. Overcome by dozens of persistent enemy craft, Klette's plane 
was in a dire state. With low oxygen and fires onboard, the crew 
resisted wave after wave of enemy fighters destroying or damaging 
several of the enemy craft. Showing tremendous courage in the face of 
incredible danger, Klette and his team completed their mission and 
returned to their base.
  In recognition of their intrepid actions, the entire crew was awarded 
the Silver Star, the third highest combat decoration awarded by the 
Armed Forces. Klette was only 25 at the time. Throughout World War II, 
Klette flew 51 missions, finishing his last on Thanksgiving Day in 
1944.
  As a member of the Greatest Generation determined to serve his 
Nation, Klette entered the Reserves after World War II. He was called 
back to Active Duty and served for nearly 2 years in Korea. Flying 50 
combat missions in that conflict, Klette totaled more than 100 missions 
during his military career.
  After officially leaving military service in 1952, Klette returned to 
northern Kentucky to practice law with his father in Covington. Still 
practicing law to this day--now with his daughter as a partner--Klette 
has been an active member of his community, serving on the board of 
multiple civic organizations.
  As the grand marshal of the Park Hills Memorial day parade, Klette 
will receive the recognition and gratitude that he deserves. Because of 
his years of dedication to our Nation in uniform, I am proud to join 
with the Park Hills community to honor his gallant service and 
sacrifice. I urge all of my colleagues in the Senate to help me thank 
John Klette.
  (At the request of Mr. Durbin, the following statement was ordered to 
be printed in the Record.)

                          ____________________