DeLauro Presents Local World War II Veteran with Service Medals

August 4, 2017
Press Release

NEW HAVEN, CT (August 4, 2017) – Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) joined family and friends of World War II Army Veteran Jacob Greenberg to present him with the service medals he earned during his service in the Pacific Theater. Mr. Greenberg, who will be celebrating his 99th birthday on August 6th, served in the United States Army for four years during World War II earning the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge.

"Jacob, thank you so much for giving of yourself for the freedom of our nation. Thank you for standing up when your country needed you. You helped to protect invaluable treasures: the freedom and opportunity that are the cornerstones of our society." said DeLauro. "Because Jacob and other members of the Greatest Generation did what needed to be done, we, as well as people all over this Earth, are free to speak our minds, meet with whom we choose, worship where we choose, elect our leaders, and live under laws that are a model around the world."

Mr. Greenberg joined the Army Air Forces in January of 1942 as a clerk joining the 5thAir Force 91st Photographic Wing. During World War II, the 91st Photographic Wing was the primary source of aerial photography and visual intelligence and mapping for Fifth Air Force in the Southwest Pacific Theater. Its assigned units flew unarmed over enemy territory, "photographing Japanese airfields, harbors, beach defenses, and personnel areas in New Guinea, the Bismarcks, Borneo, and the southern Philippines. They also scouted target areas and enemy troop positions to provide intelligence for Air Force and Army units.

For his service to the nation, Mr. Greenberg has been awarded:

  • The Good Conduct Medal;
  • The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, with 3 bronze stars;
  • The World War II Victory Medal;
  • The Antarctica Service Medal;
  • The Philippine Liberation Ribbon;
  • and the Honorable Service Lapel Button for World War II

Mr. Greenberg was also awarded the Connecticut Wartime Service Medal, presented to him by DeLauro on behalf of Commissioner Sean Connelly and the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs.

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