U.S. Army Cpl. Jack Kraszewski, a World War II Veteran, stands next to a 50 caliber machine gun similar to the one he used during the war in Europe. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A 100-year-old World War II veteran from Pulaski received a special surprise at the Military Veterans Museum in Oshkosh Sunday.
Cpl. Jack Kraszewski’s family arranged a visit so he could once again put his hands on a 50 caliber machine gun, which he used during the war.
For most, what we know about World War II, and the soldiers who fought for our country, is learned through books and black and white videos. But, Cpl. Kraszewski, who was part of the U.S. Army’s 553rd Anti-Aircraft Battalion, lived those experiences in Europe.
“In the wintertime it was cold and sitting in that steel thing, it was cold. I never feared the enemy like I did the cold,” said Kraszewski. “The cold was, it was 24/7, you know. When we left France, we never had a roof over our head until the war was over.”
Being able to get up close and personal with the equipment once again was a welcomed surprise.
“No idea where I was going. My daughter came and put my uniform on. I said, ‘Where are we going?’ It’s a surprise, well, so I didn’t even ask anymore,” said Kraszewski.
He was sent to Europe with the Army at the age of 19.
“We didn’t know, you know, from one day or another. In fact, we didn’t, none of us knew what day of the week it was. And I’ll tell ya, we stayed there all winter,” said Kraszewski.
Next month he’ll celebrate his 101st birthday.
Jack’s daughter, Ruth Bloesl, helped with planning the surprise. The family says they try to plan special events to do with him once a month.
The Military Veterans Museum says hosting veterans like Kraszewski is always a special moment for them.
“That’s one of the main reasons we are here. We’re part here to tell stories of veterans and it’s also great to have veterans come in and, you can see in watching Jack, you can see memories start to stir up,” said Dale Anderson, Board President for the Military Veterans Museum.
It’s a moment Kraszewski will never forget.
“A pretty nice birthday present,” said Kraszewski.
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