Recognizing Delphine Klaput's Service to Her Nation and Her Community

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Delphine Klaput of Ypsilanti, Michigan, on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her century of service to her family, community, and Nation is worthy of commendation.

Delphine was born on November 23, 1924, in the small coal mining town of Cadogan, Pennsylvania. She was aware of the nastiness of war as her father, Angelo, served during World War I and was exposed to mustard gas, suffering side-effects from that exposure for the rest of his life.

Delphine met her future husband, George, while in high school. George and his twin brother, Joseph, joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 where they flew missions over Europe as gunners in B-17 bombers during World War II. During that time, Delphine dropped out of high school and moved to Baltimore, Maryland, to live with her uncle. Delphine's uncle got her a position as a classified documents clerk at the Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Company, where her daily duties consisted of keeping track of plans and small parts for the aircraft and distributing them to the appropriate people in the plant. Some of the plans she ferried around were classified as top secret.

Delphine and George were married in 1944 when he returned from Europe. They moved to Denver, Colorado, when George was stationed at Lowery Air Force Base. After a short stop in Greenville, Mississippi, they moved back to Cadogan, where their first three children, Sandra. Jerry, and Diana, were born.

In 1952, George and Delphine moved their family to Royal Oak, Michigan, where they had two more children, Cheryl and Mary Jane. Delphine was a stay-at-home mom while their children were growing up and sewed clothes and crocheted in her spare time. When her children were older, she took a job at the local clothes cleaner doing alterations. She also started volunteering at the nearby senior center. In her mid-70s, Delphine went to work at Costco doing demonstrations for 16 years. In April of this year, Delphine along with a delegation of 27 original Rosies went to Washington, DC, where they were presented with Congressional Gold Medals, honoring all Rosie the Riveters for their service during World War II.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 100th birthday of Delphine Klaput, a woman who answered the call of duty at the tender age of 18 and served our country with dignity in its darkest hours. We thank her for her service and wish her much laughter and blessings in her 101st year.

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