Flagler County Veteran of the Week: Bill Klinkenberg

Thank you for your example of service and bravery.

By Observer Staff
| 5:30 a.m. March 13, 2022

William (Bill) Klinkenberg. Courtesy photo

Palm Coast Observer
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William (Bill) Klinkenberg

Branch of Military: U.S. Marine Corps
Dates of Service: 1951-1953
Rank / Occupation: Private First Class / 81mm Mortarman
Hometown: Hicksville, New York

Bill Klinkenberg was drafted in the Marine Corps in 1951 and trained as a mortarman. His unit was called up and en route to combat in Korea when the Armistice was signed in 1953. Later that year, he was honorably discharged from the Marines and became a New York City police officer, retiring as a sergeant after 21 years.

Klinkenberg moved with his late wife, Fran, and their four teenage sons to Palm Coast in 1976. As an early resident of the fledgling city, Klinkenberg was instrumental in the founding of the local library and sat on the Friends of the Library board for 20 years. He and his family were the early congregants of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, and he helped start its fraternal benefit society of Knights of Columbus. He is a 49-year member of the Kiwanis Club and member of Marine Corps League Detachment 876 since 1994. Klinkenberg says he's "lived a nice life in Palm Coast."

Need help with veteran services?

For information about benefits available to veterans and other support organizations, visit https://www.flaglercounty.gov/departments/veterans-services.