What began as a single mission to honor WWII veterans by bringing them to see their memorial in 2005 has now honored more than 300,000 veterans in over 129 hubs nationwide. Central Valley Honor Flight lifted off Sept. 16-18 for the 29th flight with 67 Korean and Vietnam war veterans on board. Their journey took them on a private capital tour along with visiting the memorials that both honor their military branches and their service. Participation in the Honor Flight allows each veteran alongside their guardian, to remember the fallen, share their stories and for many, the first time they feel valued and honored for their service. This series highlights many of the unforgettable stories from Central Valley Honor Flight 29 as Fresno Christian Schools aims to raise awareness and funds for this organization during our 39th Annual Homecoming.
As the plane lands on the tarmac, passengers begin to rustle in their seats, waiting with anticipation to see what is ahead of them. Vietnam War Veteran Bob Kleinknight, who was awarded two Purple Hearts for his service, is among those who make their way from Fresno, California on the Central Valley Honor Flight to visit the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Purple Heart is awarded to any service member in any branch who is injured or killed by an enemy attack, either as the result of military operations while serving in a peacekeeping force or a terrorist attack. It replaced the Badge of Military Merit, which was issued by George Washington in 1782, and is the oldest military award still issued today. More than 1.8 million purple hearts have been presented to service members since the award was created in 1782.
Bob Kleinknight’s father, James Kleinknight, earned the Silver and Bronze Star, as well as the Purple Heart during his service. James Kleinknight was killed in action in the Battle of Saipan, 1944.
Kleinknight served from 1968-70 with the 4th infantry division. Following his father’s footsteps, Kleinknight achieved two Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam. The first time he was wounded, it was shrapnel from an enemy grenade. The second time occurred on September 13, 1968, from friendly fire by an American helicopter. Kleinknight was shot in the left thigh, but to continue fighting, he applied his own tourniquet, helping others who had also been wounded. Later, his Sergeant, Larry Gambotto, got hit with machine gun fire, five feet in front of him.
After finding out that Gambotto’s body was recovered and sent home, his name was added onto the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall. Eager to find Gambotto’s name on the wall, Kleinknight finally found “Larry Gambotto” on panel 44W, line 47, after 57 years.
“It was enlightening and rewarding to me,” Kleinknight said. “It satisfies me knowing that he’s been recognized.”
On the same day that Kleinknight got to see the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall, Paul Loeffler asked one of four veterans in the group, Bob being one of them, to present a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the chain of the guard ceremonies.
Kleinknight used to sit out and watch two or three guard ceremonies a day. As his interest grew in the ceremony, Kleinknight always hoped to go back one day.
“I’ve done it all but that was an honor,” Kleinknight said. “That was the highest honor I’ve ever had and probably will ever have”
Kleinknight is now retired after serving over 30 years as a Deputy Sheriff for Fresno. He is thankful that he was given the opportunity to see a broad vision of what life is like and how much it should be appreciated.
“I saw how fast life could leave you without warning. It’s just boom, snap your finger and you’re gone,” Kleinknight said. “I’ve seen people disappear right in front of my eyes, their life ending immediately. Didn’t say goodbye, didn’t say, I think I don’t feel good. Boom, they’re dead. That gave me an appreciation for what a human life is, and I took that and tried to find a way that it could work for me.”
Without the Honor Flight, many of the veterans would not be able to see the Veteran Memorial. It gives them the opportunity to see how the sacrifices they made impacted the world around them. .
To read more about the Central Valley Honor Flight, visit their home page.
To donate to the honor flight, visit this CV Honor flight.
To read more from The Feather visit, Central Valley’s 29th Honor Flight or Column: Jimmy Carter celebrates 100th birthday.
Join us for Fresno Christian’s 39th Annual Homecoming, Oct. 11 at 6p.m. Help us also welcome home Honor Flight #30 at Fresno Airport Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m.
