McCook City Library - Captain Michael L. Klingner  - Memorial Room

Captain Michael L. Klingner

The second son of Raymond and Josephine Klingner was born on July 14, 1945 in McCook, Nebraska.  He graduated from the McCook Public Schools in 1963 and the University of Nebraska in 1967, where he had enrolled in the Air force ROTC program.  Upon graduation, he received his 2nd Lieutenant commission.  He began his undergraduate pilot training program at Williams Air Force Base near Phoenix., Arizona in December 1967 where he graduated at the top of his class.  While there, he married Jane Klimes of Clarkson, Nebraska.  His talent as a pilot was recognized and he was assigned to Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico for instruction in the F-100 Super Saber fighter plane.  In September 1969 he transferred to Tuy Hoa in south Vietnam, and was assigned to the 308 Tactical Fighter Squadron, where he performed military installations on the Ho Chi Minh Trail in South Laos, his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed.  1st Lt. Klingner was listed as "missing in action" and one year later declared "killed in action."  Posthumously, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying cross.  His memory will always be cherished by those who knew him.

You are welcome to visit the Kligner Memorial Room

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