NO. 17680 • 12 Jul 1926 – 25 Jul 1988
Died in Salisbury, MD.
Interred in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
George Denys Klie was born in Hoboken, NJ, to George and Helen Klie. During his Army career, he became a veteran of WW II, Korea, and Viet Nam.
After graduating from high school in 1943, George spent a year at Stevens Institute of Technology and then entered the service in 1944. George was commissioned in August 1945 after completing Officer Candidate School at Camp Roberts, CA. He served in the Philippine Islands early in 1946 but returned to the States to enter West Point with the Class of 1950, resigning his OCS commission to become a cadet.
While at West Point, George's diligence and prior military experience set an example of maturity for the rest of us. There was never any doubt that his branch of choice would be the Infantry. From the earliest days of Plebe year, it was clear to us in B I that George was pure soldier. Strictly by the book and no nonsense, George loved the Army and West Point. His roommates recalled, "George was always up EARLY to dress leisurely before easily going to roll call." They added, "We struggled while George went directly to being a good cadet. He was very serious and almost perfect with brass, shoes, room, etc!” In addition to being an outstanding cadet, George was a member of the Honor and Duty Committees, worked as a section editor of the Howitzer, and was active in the Catholic Church.
Following graduation, George was assigned to Korea as a platoon leader in the 15th Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division. While there, George was wounded in action during fighting around Hungnam and returned to the United States to recover. He then progressed through a typical Army career of staff and command.
Highlights of his career included serving as a highly respected assistant professor of military science and tactics at Valley Forge Military Academy, earning a master of science in management engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and serving on the Army staff in the Pentagon. From 1969 70, he completed a combat tour in Viet Nam as a plans officers for Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Viet Nam.
In 1970 George received a disability retirement as a lieutenant colonel, with decorations and awards that included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, three Army Commendation Medals, Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
After retiring, George lived in Ocean City, MD, where he was active in volunteer community service. He was married to Joan Barrett of Philadelphia and was the father of three daughters: Barbara, Susan, and Elizabeth.
George typified the true professional, and he is appropriately interred in Arlington National Cemetery.