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Sergeant Arthur Benjamin Van Kleeck, 20, of Brooklyn New York, passed away a hero on August 1st, 1943 in Ploesti, Romania during Operational Tidal Wave. Arthur was born July 14th, 1923, in Brooklyn, New York to the late Arthur Benjamin Van Kleeck Sr. Anna Marie (Hambacher) Van Kleeck.

Arthur grew up during the great depression in New York and like many families of that era his family went through hard times. Arthur and his siblings loved going to the church at the Salvation Army where they would listen to the marching bands. The Van Kleeck children all participated in many camps through the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army made such an impact in their lives that his sister, Anna Marie Smith and her husband Fredrick Russell Smith, made a career with the Salvation Army as ordained clergy. Arthur's family was very patriotic, so his brother and sister enlisted in the Navy. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, like many other young men, Arthur enlisted in the Army to serve his country as well. Before he was deployed, he snuck out one last time to take his beloved girlfriend, Esther Repass out on a date. He may or may not have gotten in a little trouble that cost him a demotion. Arthur served in the U.S. Army Air Forces with the 334th Bombardment Squadron, 98th, Bombardment Group, 9th, Air Force during World War II. Sergeant Arthur Benjamin Van Kleeck was killed in action while participating in Operational Tidal Wave.

Arthur is survived by his nieces Marra Smith and Barbara Jean Smith, nephew Fred Smith; numerous other nieces and nephews and many many great nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services with honors will be held Monday, November 6th, 2023 at 2 PM at Klein Funeral Home, 1400 West Main Street Tomball, Texas 77375, with Chaplin. Steve Allison officiating. Cremation to follow.

In honor of Sergeant Arthur Benjamin Van Kleeck, memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Michael S. Linnington, CEO Lieutenant General, US Army Retired, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.