100-year-old Army veteran receives an honorary diploma from Pulaski High School

PULASKI – Ahead of the Fourth of July, 100-year-old Army Veteran Jack Kraszewski, who recently received an honorary diploma from Pulaski High School, reflected on his time in service.

When he was 18 years old, Kraszewski was working at a local cheese factory while attending school. On March 1, 1943, while Kraszewski was at work, he learned that he had been drafted into the World War II military service, he said.

He traveled to Milwaukee for his physical exam, and after passing, was given a week to report back. He quickly decided then that he wanted to go right into service, Kraszewski said.

“I just thought, well I gotta do it — let’s do it right away,” Kraszewski said.

Due to this, Kraszewski was unable to complete his senior year at Pulaski High School.

He was drafted into the 553 Anti-aircraft Battalion, Ninth Division. Kraszewski landed on Utah Beach on D-Day and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was also among the first groups to arrive at arrive at Buchenwald, a Nazi concentration camp.

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The most valuable things Kraszewski says he learned during his years of service were respect and camaraderie.

He recalls a key memory from the front lines of the war that brought him both excitement and comfort.

“We were going up to the front lines and another group was coming back … A guy called ‘hey Jack!’ and I look up and here’s my neighbor,” Kraszewski said. “That was quite an experience and a very good omen, because we’re in Germany halfway through the war, and I met the guy.”

Kraszewski says he was excited to see a close friend from home who had been in the class above his in school, and a colleague of his at the factory.

Upon his return home, Kraszewski’s family warmly welcomed him back by exchanging hugs, and the next day he was back to work at the cheese factory where he remained for the next three years, he said. He later went on to work at the Schlitz Brewery in Milwaukee for 31 years.

Recently, on June 24, the Pulaski Community School District Board of Education presented Kraszewski with an honorary Pulaski High School diploma, as he was unable to attend his senior year. Dressed in a red cap and gown, he excitedly accepted the honorary degree, he said.

In May, Kraszewski was also honored with a sendoff parade as he prepared to travel to the beaches of Normandy for a visit that marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“They treated us like we were royals, and everything was just perfect,” he said.

He attended the parade and was accompanied by his daughter. He also got the chance to speak with other World War II veterans as he traveled back to Normandy, France, Kraszewski said.

“We went on the beaches we landed on, and there was a ceremony there,” Kraszewski said. “We sat on the beach and watched the waves come in off the English Channel, it was great.”

This year, following the many celebrations, Kraszewski says he plans to spend the Fourth of July with his family. He hopes to enjoy the holiday by hosting a cookout and sharing beers with his loved ones.

Alyssa N. Salcedo is a reporter with the Green Bay Press-Gazette. She can be reached at asalcedo@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: 100-year-old Army veteran receives an honorary diploma from Pulaski High School