VIDEO: Dearborn Co's Four Living WWII Veterans Gather for George Klopp Sr's Birthday

Happy Birthday George and thank you so much for your service!

George Klopp Sr. (left) with Clarence Cook, JC Lewis and George Lingg. Photo by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - The last four living World War II veterans in Dearborn County were all under one roof on Friday afternoon. 

Clarence Cook, JC Lewis and George Lingg made their way to the Lawrenceburg Eagles to celebrate the 99th birthday of George Klopp Sr., who will officially turn 99 years old on Sunday. 

Upcoming WWII Veteran Birthdays

  • JC Lewis, June 1 (will be 98)
  • Goerge Lingg, August 1 (will be 100)
  • Clarence Cook, October 26 (will be 99)

Klopp was greeted by a host of fellow veterans, family members, and community members. He received birthday cards and gifts, including a 12-pack of his favorite beer. 

Klopp joined the U.S. Navy in June of 1944 during WWII. At just 18 years old, he was shipped overseas (destination unknown at that time) for a total of 22 months. 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.

You can see part of today's birthday celebration below. 

 

More from Local News

Events

RCCF Grants $12K to Support Osgood

The grants support community initiatives in the Town of Osgood.

Historical Society Announces Christmas Tree Partnership with Central Elementary School

Each year, a local school is selected to decorate the Christmas tree displayed inside the glass gazebo at Newtown Park.

Week 9 High School Football Scores

Lawrenceburg and South Dearborn with an instant classic.

Local Sports Report - October 16, 2025

Girls Soccer and Volleyball State Tournament Scores.

North Decatur Wins MIFC, Top Performers from Week 8 Announced

The regular season concludes on Friday night.

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Sammy Kershaw - Queen of My Double-Wide Trailer

Leroy Van Dyke Walk on By 8:27
Vince Gill Pocket Full of Gold 8:23
K.T. Oslin Do Ya 8:20
Tracy Lawrence If The World Had A Front Porch 8:17