HADDON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A World War II veteran received medals and proclamations during a ceremony in Camden County on Tuesday.
As a member of the Navy, 99-year-old Gilbert Klein was aboard a ship during Operation Juneau, tasked with removing minefields from the Pacific Ocean near Alaska.
Congressman Donald Norcross presented him with a box full of medals, a flag and other items. Of the accolades, Klein received the Combat Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal, the Honorable Discharge Button, and Honorable Service Lapel Pin.
“On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you for what you did,” Norcross said.
Klein was blown away by the turnout of residents, politicians and first responders. Prior to Tuesday’s event, he said he had never met a mayor or a member of Congress.
“And I met two in one day,” he said, “and they came to me. I didn’t have to come to them, they came to see me, which I consider an honor.”