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One of the men whose courage helped make Tarawa a name for-Vver great in marine annals, is Sergeant Robert L. Kleinknight, whose home is here at 2509 Sunset, the son of Mr. and Mrs. It. M. Kleinknight. Rob, a local high school boy has just been awarded the Silver Star by Admiral C. W. Nimitz and here is the admiral's reasons for making the award:and intrepidity during action against enemy Japanese forces in Tarawa, Gilbert island, November 20 to 24, 1943. He, for three days and nights without sleep and under the most trying battle con d i t i on s, des t roy ed with bis unit many enemy emplacements in the central sector of Betio island. With the greatest of personal valor and military skill, he attacked an emplacement by crawling under heavy enemy fire to a gun port of the position and destroyed it by the use of grenades and demolitions. He then entered the position and killed the remaining enemy personnel. Later while his unit was attacking another position he exposed himself to heavy enemy fire to supportSergeant R. L. Kleinknightmore advantageously with fire the advance of one of his comrades to the entrance of the emplacement. Bv his absolute coolness, tireless energy, fearless devotion to duty and extraordinary example he wasan inspiration to our troops and contributed greatly to the success of his regiment. His actions were 1n keeping with the highest traditions oi the United States Naval Service.”I’d consider it a privilege to shake the hand of a man like that some day.Escapes InjuryThough Bob has fought at Tul-figi, Guadalcanal and ^Tarawa he has never been wounded. He serves with the marines in a special scouting and sniper unit.Jim Kleinknight, his brother, is Tifcw reported resting after the battle at Cape Glouchester, New Britain. He too, is with a Marine
Newspaper Details
Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield, California, US
Wed, May 10, 1944
Page 11
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 04 Aug 2020
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