ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - A Minnesota World War II hero is finally receiving recognition for his valor, decades after his courageous actions in battle.

A moment 80 years in the making

What we know:

Capt. Willibald Charles Bianchi was deployed to the Philippines in 1942, where he led his men in a fierce battle. Despite being wounded multiple times, he continued to fight, earning the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar recognized Bianchi's bravery with a Congressional Statement of the Record, acknowledging his role in saving lives during the Bataan Death March. He was a prisoner of war for over three years before tragically dying in 1945 when a Japanese ship sank.

The backstory:

Bianchi's remains were identified in August, bringing closure to his family. His nieces and n

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