It’s incredible that this amazing American war hero still lives among us. With fuel running low, gunshots firing from below, Norman Jack “Dusty” Kleiss successfully bombed two Japanese aircraft carriers in a surprise attack — the start of what later became known as the Battle of Midway. In all, four Japanese carriers were destroyed and the course of the war in the Pacific was forever changed.
Kleiss celebrated his 100th birthday [this past] Saturday with around 60 friends and neighbors. He’s the last surviving American dive bomber [pilot] from that battle.
Like many men my age, I am fascinated by World War II stories. I couldn’t believe I was getting to meet this courageous man. Our interview was arranged through Kleiss’ youngest daughter, Jill, who flew in from California. We set up our cameras in the living room. Kleiss, with the help of a walker, came out of the bedroom singing a Navy drinking song.
You've reached your daily free article limit.
Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.
It’s incredible that this amazing American war hero still lives among us. With fuel running low, gunshots firing from below, Norman Jack “Dusty” Kleiss successfully bombed two Japanese aircraft carriers in a surprise attack — the start of what later became known as the Battle of Midway. In all, four Japanese carriers were destroyed and the course of the war in the Pacific was forever changed.
Kleiss celebrated his 100th birthday [this past] Saturday with around 60 friends and neighbors. He’s the last surviving American dive bomber [pilot] from that battle.
Like many men my age, I am fascinated by World War II stories. I couldn’t believe I was getting to meet this courageous man. Our interview was arranged through Kleiss’ youngest daughter, Jill, who flew in from California. We set up our cameras in the living room. Kleiss, with the help of a walker, came out of the bedroom singing a Navy drinking song.
He closed his eyes at times, recalling those historic events. I felt like closing my eyes, too — imagining the danger the pilots faced coming in alone in the face of ship guns and Japanese Zeros.
They call him Dusty.
Head’s Up America: There’s A New “China Flu” Outbreak. What To Look For In The Homeland
Green Beret Cybertruck Bomber Matt Livelsberger’s Story Takes a Bizarre Turn: Paranoia, War Crimes and Gravitic Propulsion Systems
Russia Shoots Down US-Supplied Missiles, Threatens Nuclear-Capable Ballistic Retaliation on Ukraine
The Trump Hotel Cybertruck Bomber Was an Active Duty Green Beret
Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.
TRY 14 DAYS FREEAlready a subscriber? Log In
COMMENTS
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.