Family of Minnesota WWII Vet Receives Medals

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has presented the Bronze Star and other war medals to the family of a World War Two veteran.

Warren Reyburn was a staff sergeant stationed in the Pacific with the 25th Infantry Division nicknamed "Tropic Lightning." His division earned recognition for fighting 165 days without rest during the liberation of the Philippine Islands.

Reyburn died in 2000.

Last year, his Purple Heart medal and other family mementos were stolen from his son's home. Klobuchar's office worked with Reyburn's family to get a replacement — and learned that Reyburn should have received seven additional war medals, including the Bronze Star.

“I was privileged to present these war medals and recognize Warren Reyburn for his extraordinary service to our country,” said Klobuchar. “To the Reyburn family, that Purple Heart was more than just a war medal, it was a priceless family heirloom serving as a connection to Warren. I was shocked to learn it has been stolen from Paul’s house last year and am honored to help the Reyburn family fill the hole left by that burglary.”