ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill.–(ENEWSPF)–May 27, 2014. Following an appearance in the Arlington Heights, Ill. Memorial Day Parade, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today presented a posthumous Bronze Star to the family of World War II veteran John W. Bock.
Bock was drafted into the U.S. Army during the war and attached to the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne. Bock was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946, having achieved the rank of Private First Class. He passed away in 2010 having never received the Bronze Star Medal due him for his meritorious service during World War II.
“While it’s tragic when an American Hero like John Bock can’t live to see his rightful award presented in-person, it gives me great fulfillment to be able to help his family get the closure they deserve and the recognition that PFC Bock deserves,” Sen. Kirk said.
Bock was sent to the European Theater of Operations and served as a draftsman, a soldier who would advance across enemy lines to scout enemy positions and map out terrain.
In order to get this information, Bock would sometimes travel in a glider—an engineless plane made of canvas, plywood and steel that was towed by a C-47 aircraft until they were released to silently land behind enemy lines.
Mr. Bock would use his training to help the Allied forces repel the German offensive during in the Battle of the Bulge. After the German surrender, Mr. Bock would remain in Berlin serving in the Army of Occupation until he was ordered home to Chicago in 1946.
After his return to civilian life, Mr. Bock furthered his interest in planes and was hired as an aeronautical engineer with the Douglas Aircraft Company. Mr. Bock even built a glider himself for personal use after his retirement from Douglas.
Mr. Bock passed away in 2010 never receiving the Bronze Star Medal owed to him for his meritorious service during World War II.
Bock’s next-of-kin, first cousin Nancy Clauser, contacted Sen. Kirk about honoring her cousin and his sacrifices for our Nation. Sen. Kirk was able to expedite the request by cutting through six months worth of government bureaucracy, and he helped Bock’s family recover the award due the World War II hero.
“When Ms. Clauser contacted my office, I immediately took a personal interest in cutting through the bureaucracy and red tape that were keeping a hero’s family from his rightful recognition and awards,” Sen. Kirk said. “It’s a privilege to have the chance this Memorial Day to honor the memory and service of PFC John Bock.”
Source: kirk.senate.gov
