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Dusty Kleiss: A Hero of Midway Remembered

    Captain Jack "Dusty" Kleiss retirement photo, 1962; Kleiss with wife Jean, 1942 (Images provided by Jack Kleiss/Hampton Roads Naval Museum/Laura Orr)Captain Jack “Dusty” Kleiss retirement photo, 1962; Kleiss with wife Jean, 1942 (Images provided by Jack Kleiss/Hampton Roads Naval Museum/Laura Orr)

Captain Jack “Dusty” Kleiss, USN (Ret.), a VS-6 Dive Bombing pilot that served during the battle of Midway, passed away last week at the age of 100 at his residence in Texas. The Kansas native was the last surviving pilot of his kind that fought in arguably one of the greatest naval battles in human history. He is remembered for his heroism and unwavering humility in the pivotal role he played during that battle.

By Matthew T. Eng

Before I accepted my current position as the Digital Content Developer for the Naval Historical Foundation, I cut my teeth working for several years in the education department of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. As a lifelong resident of Hampton Roads, I wanted to stay close to Norfolk after graduate school and learn more about the area’s strong connection to the Navy. While there, I had the opportunity to work with the finest set of museum staff I have ever met. One of those staff members who came shortly after I started as a contract educator was Laura Orr. Laura was a seasoned museum educator with loads of experience and moxy. It was the beginning of a friendship and working partnership that continues today.

Around 2011, she informed he that she would be working with her husband, Old Dominion University History Professor Dr. Timothy Orr, on a new writing project about about a Battle of Midway veteran named Jack “Dusty” Kleiss. At that point, I was still a young greenhorn in naval history whose knowledge barely extended beyond the American Civil War navies and the 19th century. From what I was told, he was certainly a household name among veteran circles and WWII aficionados.

Over the course of the next few months, Laura and her husband traveled down to San Antonio, Texas, to meet Dusty and write down his story. What an extraordinary story it was. The museum was fortunate enough to have Dusty write about his personal experiences in the Navy, specifically at the Midway. His excellent article is included in the 2012 Special Midway edition of The Daybook, the Hampton Roads Naval Museum’s quarterly publication. I often dig back into my issue I keep in my library and read about his miraculous exploits. This particular section of his article details his experience scoring a direct hit on the Japanese carrier Kaga as a member of USS Enterprise’s Scouting Squadron Six (VS-6):

Wade McClusky waggled his wings and, in our Scouting Six planes, we followed him into a dive on Kaga, the closest carrier. This was the perfect situation for dive bombing: no Zeros, no anti-aircraft fire. McClusky and our Scouting Six dive bombers attacked Kaga. Bombing Six planes attacked Akagi. Earl Gallaher scored the first hit on Kaga. I watched his 500-pound bomb explode on the first plane starting its takeoff. It was the only plane on Kaga’s flight deck. His incendiary bombs also hit the gas tanks beside it. Immediately, the aft-part of the ship was engulfed in a huge mass of flames. I scored the next hit. My 500-pound bomb and two 100-pound incendiaries landed on the rear edge of the large red circle on the bow of Kaga. The bombs set fire to the closely-parked airplanes below deck, filled with gasoline; a huge fire started. (Note: my bombs hit the target at 240 knots, and exploded 1/100th of a second later!) I had dropped my bombs at 1,500 feet, and I pulled out at 9g, just barely skimming above the water.

A Zero came speeding for us. I gave my gunner John Snowden a good angle, and in two seconds, no more Zero! I sped past numerous ships shooting AA fire at me, so I changed course and altitude every second. I finally made a half circle, heading towards Midway. I looked back and saw three carriers in flames: many bombs from Scouting Six and Bombing Six had hit Kaga; three bombs from Bombing Six had hit Akagi; and bombs from Yorktown’s dive bombers torched Soryu. Only Hiryu, twenty miles away, was unharmed.

For his actions at Midway, Kleiss received the Navy Cross. He also received a Presidential Unit Citation in 1944. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross for action at the Marshall Islands.

 Japanese aircraft carrier Hiryu burning, shortly after sunrise on 5 June 1942, a few hours before she sank.  (NHHC Photo # NH 73064)

Japanese aircraft carrier Hiryu burning, shortly after sunrise on 5 June 1942, a few hours before she sank. (NHHC Photo # NH 73064)


On 7 March of this year, Dusty and I celebrated the same birthday. I blew 32 candles out on my birthday cake; Dusty had 100. I got a birthday call from my parents. Dusty got phone calls from John McCain, Ash Carter, George H.W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Each of the phone calls apparently thanked him for his service and his courage during Midway. Yet it is likely that he shrugged off the praise he had likely heard for nearly 70 years.  “I’m anything but a hero,” he said to CNN reporter Richard Roth, “I was only doing what at the time was the proper thing to do.” Laura and Tim Orr asked him about a sentimental photo of Kleiss with his new wife Jean taken after his return back to the states. After receiving one of the most prestigious medals in the United States military, all Dusty could say was “Who would ever look at a Navy Cross with the most beautiful girl in the world doing her stuff?” Those words are still some of the most sentimental I have ever heard, and my heart still flutters every time I read it. Romance authors could not write a better line if they tried. War is hell, but love and duty are eternal. Dusty was a master of both.

Dusty Kleiss wearing Distinguished Flying Cross (Photo by Jack Kleiss/HRNM/Laura Orr)

Dusty Kleiss wearing Distinguished Flying Cross he earned for his action at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands (Photo by Jack Kleiss/HRNM/Laura Orr)

Dusty would retire from the Navy as a Captain in 1962. He went on to work for the aerospace industry. He remained active in the community and had written or posted about his experiences on several websites on the Internet. He also made several noteworthy television appearances. Sadly, Dusty passed away last week. He had told those closest among him that he wanted to make it to 100. Strong willed and determined, Dusty did just that – one last mark on the greenie board of a life well lived.

So often we write about individuals of naval history who were towering figures that made the big decisions that turned the tide of conflict. That kind of attention is usually reserved for high ranking officers, men of the WWII era with names like Nimitz, Leahy, Halsey, and King. Dusty never wore stars on his shoulders, but you can believe his character and demeanor was worthy of five stars. It is highly doubtful that monuments will be built in his honor. Dusty would want it that way. So in my own small way, this is but one of many tributes to a great American who exemplified honor, courage, and commitment.

In life or death, his story will continue to inspire generations of Sailors coming into the U.S. Navy. I never knew the man like Laura or Tim did. I can only imagine what it must have been like to sit next to someone who took part in such a harrowing event only to push it aside as merely doing one’s duty. That is the true mark of a hero. But he was more than a hero to me. He was a different caliber of human being. We can only hope to all live close to the potential of Dusty. My heart goes out to the Orr family and anyone who knew him well. Your lives have been undoubtedly enriched by the experience.

Fair winds and following seas, Sir. You are our hero, and we all owe you a debt of gratitude.

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22 Comments

  1. Carol Lawfer

    Well said, Matt. Dusty was truly a hero – and a gentleman of honor.

  2. Jim Dolbow

    Thanks for posting this. What a great American. If he ever had to buy a beer after the Battle of Midway, shame on all of us. RIP

    • As a Veteran of Viet Nam I suddenly became interested in WWII and espescially the Pacific. After watching a few videos with Dusty in them I was captivated by his personality and history ot the details surrounding the Battle at Midway.
      As I remember, I did a little research on Tom Eversole at the time and if you will allow me ask some questions related to his tragic but expected suicital like attack in the not ready for battle Dauntless torpedo plane which had to go slow and deliver a torpedo that didn’t explode.
      I found some facts surrounding his finale moments I think that indicated that he actually made it back to the ship but ditched in the water or someone witnessed his ditching and that he was perhaps stunned but allegedly was caught in something like the radio antenna and pulled under with his plane. This would have been common because when all those planes ditched the pilots of course took a terible jolt and most had scars on their forehead or nose where they hit the console.
      Could someone stear me toward the evidence of actually how Tom paassed. This is for my personel historical records and anything you offer me will be held in the highest respect for the record of all these Naval Pilots who experienced this tragic experience in the defense of our country.

      • Admin

        We’ll throw this one out to the community, Ed. Anyone who has the information Ed is looking for, please feel free to contact him or post here.

        Thank you,
        Diana West

  3. Matthew Robins

    Genuinely saddened to learn of the passing of a fellow USNA alumni who played such a critical role in America’s signature victory in the Pacific. Dusty Kleiss, along with his fellow Naval Aviators who held the line at the battles of Coral Sea and Midway, are America’s equivalent to Britain’s “The Few” of Fighter Command who proved to be their nation’s saviors from foreign aggression. Aside from his eye-watering heroism at Midway, Kleiss’ service to his country continued in bringing home his hard-won combat experience to pass along to the next generation of trainee dive-bomber pilots destined for combat in the Pacific – including my Grandfather. Farewell Dusty – we will not see the likes of him again…

  4. Dennis H Robertson

    ‘Mr’ Kleiss came to my high school as a physics teacher in the mid 60s. I think we heard at the time that he had been a Navy pilot in his previous life. At that age I never knew the part he played in our nations history and the importance of the Battle of Midway. I don’t remember him ever sharing his history with us. Many times in my life since I have wondered how someone with his resume could have ended up teaching physics to a bunch of naive teenagers in a little no where high school. I had also wondered where he moved on to and why. The more I find out the more I would like to know. There should be more available on the life of such a true American hero.

  5. Phillip Perry

    He was my physics and chemistry teacher in high school. Always very patient with us even when we were being ornery and could explain complex concepts in terms that made it interesting and easy to understand. We asked him how he got the moniker “Dusty” and he said that when he was in pilot school he ran off the end of the runway and disappeared in a cloud of dust and so the title was awarded by his fellow students. A long, good life well spent… can’t ask for more than that.

  6. Farid Rushdi

    I interviewed Dusty for a story a couple of years ago and he was a delight to talk to. He gave me a *sigh* when I told him I was doing a story about Midway. “I’ve told that story a thousand times,” he told me. “I hope it doesn’t come across as boring.”

    But I told him I had seen him on a documentary talk about his “best friend” who died in the first attack, and that Tom Eversole, his friend was from my city in Idaho. That’s what I wanted to talk about. His voice grew stronger and he was excited during the interview. He loved talking about Tom and got emotional as he described how Tom sacrificed himself so that Dusty and the others could make it to the carriers.

    I thought he’d never die; he was that kind of personality. I shall miss him so.

  7. I have had a huge interest in history and especially military history for more than 20 years now and all those young men who risked everything to save us all during WW2 are my biggest hero’s and I could never hold anyone in a higher regard than those warriors like Dusty Kleiss! Every time I read about the story or watch Mr. Kleiss give his account of the battle of Midway I am just so completely amazed by their bravery and I have so much respect for him and all those who were with him that I could never be more grateful nor think so highly of anyone else. What those guys did was truly amazing and just unbelievably brave!!! I have always wanted to meet Dusty in person to shake the hand of a legend, buy him a beer and talk to him about his experiences. I was just looking into finding a way to do just that when I learned he had recently passed away just last spring. I was deeply saddened by the news and I will always regret not having the chance to speak to such an incredible man in person. I know for a fact he is up there in Heaven right now hanging out with his friends Tom Eversole, Dick Best, Wade McClusky and the rest of his squadron mates!
    I salute you all gentleman and I can never thank you all enough for what you had to do and sacrifice for your country and all of us. You have truly changed my life making me strive to be the best man I can be and if I could ever live up to a fraction of what you all have given and achieved I would be very blessed. Thank you all again and God Bless you and all your friends and families. Sincerely your biggest fan and admirer, Corey B

  8. I just finished reading “Never Call Me A Hero.” N. Jack “Dusty” Kleiss” was a hero in my mind. Thank you, Sir! A very interesting book. Great descriptions of flying, fellow fliers and doing battle against the Japanese. The Japs had a lot fighting experience as they were murderers before WWII began. Thank goodness for the Navy’s attack on Midway. Super results that surely shortened WWII. I am 79, being born in 1938. I remember a little. I remember my father flying off at night from the airport in Greenville, SC. I could see the blue flames coming out of the aircraft’s engine exhaust. My father, US Army tanks, was shipped to Manila toward the end of the war. He was in a “clean-up” detail.
    Thank goodness he didn’t experience any fighting or Japanese prison time as many American servicemen. Before he reached Manila, the war ended. I was a US Navy Air Reservist flying on submarine chasers, P2V’s in the 1960’s. We never spotted any enemy subs.

  9. Simon Prince

    Just watched a documentary on this!
    Truly amazing to have taken part and to have been involved in something so monumental!
    A brave man with equally brave comrades, some of which, sadly didn’t see what their sacrifice achieved!

  10. tom chastain

    this is one of the best first person accounts of the battle of midway you really feel like your in the dive bomber this amazing pilot sank 2 of the japanese frontline carriers

  11. Ronnie Runyan

    I just finished “Never Call Me a Hero”, wanted to read more about “Dusty” and found this site. I really enjoyed the book and the article on I just read. It saddens me though that we’re losing this “Greatest” Generation. It’s been 16-years now that my dad passed at 82. He was in the Army Air Corps in WW-2 and retired from the Air Force in 1962. Growing up I thought those in my Dad’s generation would live forever. As I’ve gotten older I’ve grow to understand that’s not the case. There isn’t many of them left. It saddens me also that their war stories are now passing from first hand accounts and living history to the history books.

  12. FRANK

    Why was Dusty left out of the movie Battle of Midway in 2019- he had just as many hits on carriers as Dick Best!

  13. T. Sauer

    Just finished watching the story of Midway on the AHC channel. I’ve probably watched that particular episode 10 times and never tire of hearing Dusty’s account of the Battle of Midway. Unbelievable. You can not help calling him a hero in The Battle Midway – Although I suspect he would deny being a “Hero” but rather a service member just doing his job and accomplishing the mission given him. Dusty was and is a true treasure. Semper Fi Dusty.

  14. Dr Robert kunnen

    One of the best. Where are these people today?

  15. Greg

    Nobody knows how tom died, probably shot down by a zero because the slow moving torpedo planes had no support. The pilot that was pulled down with his plane caught in an antenna wire was not tom

  16. After watching the true story documentary on the Battle of Midway, I can only say that it is a mid-carriage of military justice that Dusty was not awarded the Medal of Honor.
    I still can’t accept the receipt of this medal by some one like Big Mac who deserted his troops in the Phillipenes and went into hiding only to go back walking on the bodies of so many sailors and marines. I figure that Eisenhower, Bradley, and Patton should have received multiple MoH’s.

  17. After watching the true story documentary on the Battle of Midway, I can only say that it is a mid-carriage of military justice that Dusty was not awarded the Medal of Honor.
    I still can’t accept the receipt of this medal by some one like Big Mac who deserted his troops in the Phillipenes and went into hiding only to go back walking on the bodies of so many sailors and marines. I figure that Eisenhower, Bradley, and Patton should have received multiple MoH’s. This is my first comment on this topic.

  18. Bruce Supanick

    I saw Dusty Klite’s commentaries on Battle 360–The Battle of Midway. His bomb runs against the Kaga and Hiryu had to be among the greatest stories from the Pacific War. my own father, grandfather, and uncles fought in World War II–from the Ardennes to Alaska, Saipan, and Iwo Jima. And they would agree that Klites exemplified the Greatest Generation

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