[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 186 (Thursday, November 6, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S7960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING CAPTAIN WILLIBALD BIANCHI

  Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, 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. 
Whether they served many decades ago or in our more recent conflicts, 
our obligation is to ensure they have the support and care they earned.
  So today, I rise today to honor Captain Willibald Bianchi, an 
American hero.

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