George Klopp Sr. Receives High School Diploma

The 100-year-old left high school at the age of 18 to join the U.S. Navy.

George Klopp Sr., 100, receives his high school diploma. Photo by Timmy Hill, Eagle Country 99.3.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - A very special moment took place on Saturday at Lawrenceburg's annual Community Picnic. 

George Klopp Sr. was a senior at Lawrenceburg High School when he decided to leave school and join the U.S. Navy. At just 18 years old, he was shipped overseas for a total of 22 months during World War II. 

Over 80 years later, Klopp received his high school diploma. 

Lawrenceburg Schools Superintendent Karl Galey was among a contingent from Lawrenceburg High School, who joined the special presentation on Saturday. 

The heartfelt moment came just weeks after Klopp's 100th birthday. 

George Klopp's Military History

He sailed on an old British Cargo Ship converted to a Troop Ship, traveling through the Panama Canal and zig zagging through the Pacific. They finally docked and Klopp was assigned to a Navy Base Hospital in Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides, providing perimeter security. After serving at the Base Hospital, he was transferred to a Naval Station in Tutuila, Samoa for 7-9 months where he was an Electrician Mate hooking up ship wires.

For his service, Klopp was awarded with The World War II Victory Medal, The Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and The American Area Campaign Medal. Read more about his military career here.