John M. Kaarbo
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
John M. Kaarbo of Duluth, Minnesota enlisted in the Army Air Corps on October 19, 1942 at Fort Snelling, Minn.
He was a Corporal and served as a photo lab technician with the 4255th Army Air Forces Base Unit, 12th Air Force, in the United States and Italy.
In his words, "Played a lot of softball....Was a pitcher. Was unanimous choice for All Star two years running...I myself didn't participate too much in the war effort in the States or overseas. Did play a lot of softball. I replaced a G.I. overseas on the Point System....Took two days to replace G.I. in Cacerta, Italy where the 12th Air Force was stationed. The very next day I arrived at my squadron I pitched a softball game against the officers....I was spoiled all the time I spent in the service...."
Mr. Kaarbo received the: Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
He was honorably discharged on November 25, 1945 at Chanute Field, Ill.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 137.
