[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 53 (Monday, March 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING AND COMMENDING EM3 GILBERT KLEIN
______
HON. DONALD NORCROSS
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Monday, March 24, 2025
Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend EM3
Gilbert Klein. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, EM3 Gilbert Klein
served in the United States Navy from March 1944 to May 1946 when he
was honorably discharged as an Electricians Mate 3rd Class. He was
stationed at USNTC Bainbridge, the U.S. Navy Training Center at Port
Deposit in Maryland before serving on the USS YMS 283 mine clearing
ship that sailed out of Yorktown, Virgina, the home of the Naval Mine
Warfare School.
Gilbert Klein was deployed to serve in the East China Sea as a part
of Operation Juneau and the American Occupation of Japan. He, alongside
his fellow servicemen, had the distinct responsibility of clearing
mines at the ports of Okinawa, Japan and in the East China Sea to
prepare for the United States safe arrival as they occupied the island.
He also served as a patrolman during the occupation in and around
Okinawa, Japan.
For his service in the United States Armed Forces, Gilbert Klein is
the recipient of The Honorable Discharge button and lapel pin awarded
to those who served honorably in the federal military from 1925 to 1946
as well as the ``Ruptured Duck'' also known as the Honorable Service
Lapel Pin awarded to servicemembers who were honorably discharged
during the second World War. Alongside these two awards, he is the
recipient of the Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia Clasp, World
War II Victory Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Three
Bronze Campaign Medals, American Campaign Medal and the Combat Service
Medal.
Following his service in the United States Navy, Gilbert Klein became
a salesman at several companies and reached Sales Manager during his
time with Reader's Digest. He lived in Pennsylvania and Ventnor, New
Jersey before moving to Haddon Township 12 years ago where he resides
today at the age of 99 years old. Although, his beloved wife and son
with whom they raised together have both since passed, he has remaining
family throughout the west coast in California, New Mexico and
Arkansas.
Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring and commending EM3
Gilbert Klein of Haddon Township, New Jersey, a resident dedicated to
his community and country, and who has thoroughly served them both to
the best of his ability.
____________________