FEBRUARY 18, 2004

SCHAKOWSKY JOINS IN HONORING FALLEN WWII HERO JOHN SKLENA

CHICAGO, IL - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) today joined in honoring John Sklena, a World War II hero who was killed in action in Germany, on September 17, 1944.  He served with the 3rd Armored Division, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3rd battalion, and is buried in Henri Chappel cemetery in Belgium.

Schakowsky presented George Sklena, a Skokie resident, the Service Medals that his brother John was awarded during WWII almost 60 years ago.  The medals were obtained by Schakowsky's office from the National Personnel Records Center following a request by George Sklena.  

"I know these medals are precious to John Sklena's family as a reminder of his heroism and sacrifice.  It is an honor for me to bring them home at last," Schakowsky said.

The medals are:

• Bronze Star Medal : For Heroic or Meritorious Achievement of Service, not involving aerial flight,  in connection with Operations Against an Opposing Armed Force

• Purple Heart & Bronze Oak leaf Cluster: For being wounded in action

• American Defense Service medal: for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941 

• European-African-Middle eastern Campaign medal with Bronze star Attachment 

• World War II Victory Medal 

• Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award 

• Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII