The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Robert Francis Kline Jr., who died in the service of his country on March 30th, 1968 in Kontum Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Small Arms/AW. At the time of his death Robert was 20 years of age. He was from Los Altos, California. Robert is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 47e, Line 13.
The decorations earned by PFC Robert Francis Kline Jr. include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Robert is buried at Alta Mesa Memorial Park,Palo Alto,CA. He was born in Warren, Ohio.
Dennis Connelly
Dennis_Connelly@oxy.com
School Friend and Vietnam Vet.
Bakersfield, CA 93312
I went to High School with Bob. The last time I saw him I was on my 30 day leave before going to Vietnam. He said he was going to Vietnam the next day. We wished each other luck and went our way. I learn Bob died about two weeks after I was in Vietnam. It took a long time, but now I visit him every March 30th. I'll never forget him.
(His Bronze Star Medal Citation)
Bronze Star Medal
Presented to Robert F Kline for meritorious service in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Private First Class Kline distinguished himself while serving as a Rifleman and Fire Team Leader with A, 2/35th Infantry. Throughout his service with the company, he demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of professionalism, proficiency, and dedication to duty. As a rifleman he performed his job in an aggressive manner. He could always be depended upon as a point man or at a listening post at night. When Private First Class Kline became a Fire Team Leader, he continued to perform in an enthusiastic manner. He also demonstrated a great talent for supervising the men in his Fire Team. Displaying outstanding leadership abilities, he was able to maintain the complete respect and confidence of his subordinates and superiors, Private First Class Kline demanded the highest performance from his men and in return he gave them positive leadership of outstanding ability. On 30 March 1968, Private First Class Kline was mortally wounded during a search and destroy operation Polei Kleng. His outstanding achievements, personal integrity, and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
We met in Oakland at the inductee center. We became friends and buddies through Basic, AIT, Ft. Lewis, and on that dreadful ship ride to Nam. We were assigned to different companies but found ways to stay in touch. When I heard you had paid the ultimate sacrifice I was deeply saddened. When I visit the Wall in Sacramento I always take time to remember you, as I stare at your name on the Wall. You are never Forgotten
A Fellow Cacti and Friend
John Morgan
Posted by: John Morgan
Email: bayvuepugs@live.com
Posted for: ROBERT FRANCIS KLINE JR:
Bob, the classes of '64, '65 and '66 had a reunion recently. You were there in our hearts.
Posted by: Richard Mika
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