Area WWII veteran receives honorary diploma

For the Press Times

PULASKI – The Pulaski Community School District Board of Education approved the presentation of an honorary Pulaski High School diploma Wednesday, June 26, to Jack Kraszewski.

Kraszewski, once he turned 18, was drafted into World War II military service.

As a result, he was unable to complete his senior year at Pulaski High School.

He was drafted March 1, 1943, into the 553 Anti-aircraft Battalion, Ninth Division and landed on Utah Beach on D-Day and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge, during World War II.

Kraszewski was honored in a parade in Pulaski in May and earlier this month was among WWII veterans who attended ceremonies commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France.

At a June 26 school board meeting, Pulaski Area Community Education director Mark Heck read a proclamation that former Eighth District U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher read on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives paying tribute to Kraszewski for his World War II service.

The Board of Education previously approved an honorary high school diploma for Maj. Stephen Kaster on Dec. 19, 2018.