John Robert Kleyn was born March 1, 1906 in Holland, Michigan one of six children of Henry and Mamie (GUNST) KLEYN, who were born in Michigan of Dutch descent. John was a Chief Machinist's Mate when he died in WWII on Feb 4, 1942 at age 35 when his ship, the USS Marblehead was bombed during the Battle of Makassar Strait in the Java sea, Indonesia. Fourteen of his fellow seamen died and 84 were wounded, some who later also died. Mr KLEYN's remains were moved from the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, in Manila to the Fort William McKinley Cemetery, Manila, Philippines.
John was awarded the Purple Heart; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Bar; American Defense Service Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Honorable Service Lapel Button (WWII) Good Conduct Medal; and the Good Conduct Pin.
JOHN JOINED THE US NAVY January 1925 and served on the USS Mississippi; the USS Jason; the USS Canopus and the USS Chaumont and on the USS Marblehead for 7 years from January 1935 until his death. His brother, James Henry KLEYN served with John on the USS Marblehead for 5 years from Dec 1936 to Feb 1941. John married Heloise Suzaina MANSFIELD in 1935. She was born Feb 11-12, 1912 in Hoquiam, Lewis co. or Grays Harbor Co., WA, the daughter of Clarence Lester and Burnice L. (Laloisetle) MANSFIELD.
On March 10, 1942, Captain Robinson sent a letter to John's brother, James Kleyn, notifying him of John's death. Following is the text of that letter.
"The Secretary of the Navy has tried to advise Mrs. Kleyn of the death of her husband. Mrs. Kleyn was living in Manila, Philippines, and it is improbable that any communications have reached her.
"John was buried, with other shipmates who were killed in action, in the European Cemetery at Tjilatjap, Java, Netherlands East Indies. Here in a quiet section of this beautiful island, the Netherlands Government has set aside an area for the interment of our heroic dead so that they may lie together in beautiful surroundings, in a sense under American soil and as a memorial to their high courage and ideals.
"A military funeral was held with escorts from both the American and Netherlands forces, and both Protestant and Catholic services were conducted by Chaplain Rentz of the USS Houston and Father Widenbusche of Tjilatjap.
"Kleyn had served in this ship for nearly seven years, and consequently he was well known to me. During the strained months that preceded the outbreak of hostilities and in the difficult periods of war service that followed, his courage, cheerfulness and resolute performance of duty were constantly observed and admired by all his shipmates, among whom he had a great number of very close friends.
"As his Captain, I deeply share your sense of sorrow and loss." Signed, A. G. Robinson, Captain; Commanding USS Marblehead
- - - - - - - - -
JOHN KLEYN's widow, Heloise Suzaina (MANSFIELD) KLEYN was held prisoner at Camp Santo Tomas in Manila Luzon, Philippines. She returned to the US on May 2, 1945 on the ship "Admiral E W Eberle" -her address listed as 2516 Cleveland Ave., Everett, WA. Her name was Heloise S. KLEYN Christenson when she married again July 16, 1962 in Riverside co, CA at age 50 to William H. Mawhinney who was 25, born Nov 29, 1936 the son of Harold and Martha (SWARTZ) MAWHINNEY. She died Dec 19, 1974 in San Luis Obispo co., CA at age 62. Her husband William Harold Mawhinney died March 24, 1984 in San Luis Obispo co, CA at age 47.
JOHN'S SIBLINGS:
* Dorothy Kleyn Collins, born 1901 in Holland, MI, died Dec 9, 1966 in Tacoma, WA. Her husband, Ralph David Collins born 1888, died 1971. Both buried in Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood, Wash.
* Mrs Mary Ruth Kleyn Davis born Sept 1889 in Holand, MI, married June 4, 1918 in Tacoma, WA, Daniel Stracklin Davis. Their son, Dan S. Jr was born March 25, 1919 in Pierce co, WA.
* Mrs Beth Kleyn McLellan born May 18, 1907 in Holland, MI, died Apr. 29, 1993, age 85. Married at age 17 Arlin McLellan on Aug. 22, 1924 in Tacoma, WA. He was born March 3, 1901 in Alabama and died May 5, 1974 at age 73. Both were buried in Oakwood Hill Cem., Tacoma, WA.
* Harold KLEYN born March 1910 in Spokane, WA
* James Henry KLEYN born April 10, 1916 in Spokane, WA died at age 27, February 4, 1944 at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, Alameda co., California, a WWII US Navy veteran. He was buried in Oakwood Hill Cemetery, Tacoma, Washington. James was 7 years old when his father died. He had served for five years on the USS Marblehead and he died exactly two years after his brother, John died on the USS Marblehead during WWII.
HELOISE'S SIBLINGS:
* Otis MANSFIELD born 1909 in WA
* Bernice Mansfield born Feb 11, 1912 in Chehalis co, WA
* James MANSFIELD born March 29, 1914 in Pacific co, WA
* Clyde L Mansfield born Nov 21, 1916 in Snohomish co, WA
* Lester "Petrick" Mansfield born July 5, 1918 in King co, WA, died Feb 17, 1996 in Port Angeles, Clallam co, WA
HELOISE'S FATHER, Clarence Lester MANSFIELD was born Oct 31, 1876 in Oregon, the son of John N Mansfield and Hannah Ralls. He died Aug 28, 1927 in Port Angeles, Clallam co, WA
Mrs. Shirley McLellan Rishel provided information about her uncle, John Kleyn. Shirley was born Jan 14, 1928 in CA, the daughter of Arlin and Beth (KLEYN) McLELLAN and died June 11, 2012. John's nephew visited the Philippines cemetery and had John's name inscribed on one of the crosses where they said John was interred.
Sources: http://www.ussmarblehead.com/crew/kleyn.html
Washington and California Birth, Marriage and Death Records; California Death Records; Worldconnect /Rootsweb; Census Records; WWII Prisoners of War, 1941-1946; California, Passenger and Crew Lists, 1882-1957; U.S. WWI Draft Registration Cards; etc.
John was awarded the Purple Heart; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Bar; American Defense Service Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Honorable Service Lapel Button (WWII) Good Conduct Medal; and the Good Conduct Pin.
JOHN JOINED THE US NAVY January 1925 and served on the USS Mississippi; the USS Jason; the USS Canopus and the USS Chaumont and on the USS Marblehead for 7 years from January 1935 until his death. His brother, James Henry KLEYN served with John on the USS Marblehead for 5 years from Dec 1936 to Feb 1941. John married Heloise Suzaina MANSFIELD in 1935. She was born Feb 11-12, 1912 in Hoquiam, Lewis co. or Grays Harbor Co., WA, the daughter of Clarence Lester and Burnice L. (Laloisetle) MANSFIELD.
On March 10, 1942, Captain Robinson sent a letter to John's brother, James Kleyn, notifying him of John's death. Following is the text of that letter.
"The Secretary of the Navy has tried to advise Mrs. Kleyn of the death of her husband. Mrs. Kleyn was living in Manila, Philippines, and it is improbable that any communications have reached her.
"John was buried, with other shipmates who were killed in action, in the European Cemetery at Tjilatjap, Java, Netherlands East Indies. Here in a quiet section of this beautiful island, the Netherlands Government has set aside an area for the interment of our heroic dead so that they may lie together in beautiful surroundings, in a sense under American soil and as a memorial to their high courage and ideals.
"A military funeral was held with escorts from both the American and Netherlands forces, and both Protestant and Catholic services were conducted by Chaplain Rentz of the USS Houston and Father Widenbusche of Tjilatjap.
"Kleyn had served in this ship for nearly seven years, and consequently he was well known to me. During the strained months that preceded the outbreak of hostilities and in the difficult periods of war service that followed, his courage, cheerfulness and resolute performance of duty were constantly observed and admired by all his shipmates, among whom he had a great number of very close friends.
"As his Captain, I deeply share your sense of sorrow and loss." Signed, A. G. Robinson, Captain; Commanding USS Marblehead
- - - - - - - - -
JOHN KLEYN's widow, Heloise Suzaina (MANSFIELD) KLEYN was held prisoner at Camp Santo Tomas in Manila Luzon, Philippines. She returned to the US on May 2, 1945 on the ship "Admiral E W Eberle" -her address listed as 2516 Cleveland Ave., Everett, WA. Her name was Heloise S. KLEYN Christenson when she married again July 16, 1962 in Riverside co, CA at age 50 to William H. Mawhinney who was 25, born Nov 29, 1936 the son of Harold and Martha (SWARTZ) MAWHINNEY. She died Dec 19, 1974 in San Luis Obispo co., CA at age 62. Her husband William Harold Mawhinney died March 24, 1984 in San Luis Obispo co, CA at age 47.
JOHN'S SIBLINGS:
* Dorothy Kleyn Collins, born 1901 in Holland, MI, died Dec 9, 1966 in Tacoma, WA. Her husband, Ralph David Collins born 1888, died 1971. Both buried in Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood, Wash.
* Mrs Mary Ruth Kleyn Davis born Sept 1889 in Holand, MI, married June 4, 1918 in Tacoma, WA, Daniel Stracklin Davis. Their son, Dan S. Jr was born March 25, 1919 in Pierce co, WA.
* Mrs Beth Kleyn McLellan born May 18, 1907 in Holland, MI, died Apr. 29, 1993, age 85. Married at age 17 Arlin McLellan on Aug. 22, 1924 in Tacoma, WA. He was born March 3, 1901 in Alabama and died May 5, 1974 at age 73. Both were buried in Oakwood Hill Cem., Tacoma, WA.
* Harold KLEYN born March 1910 in Spokane, WA
* James Henry KLEYN born April 10, 1916 in Spokane, WA died at age 27, February 4, 1944 at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, Alameda co., California, a WWII US Navy veteran. He was buried in Oakwood Hill Cemetery, Tacoma, Washington. James was 7 years old when his father died. He had served for five years on the USS Marblehead and he died exactly two years after his brother, John died on the USS Marblehead during WWII.
HELOISE'S SIBLINGS:
* Otis MANSFIELD born 1909 in WA
* Bernice Mansfield born Feb 11, 1912 in Chehalis co, WA
* James MANSFIELD born March 29, 1914 in Pacific co, WA
* Clyde L Mansfield born Nov 21, 1916 in Snohomish co, WA
* Lester "Petrick" Mansfield born July 5, 1918 in King co, WA, died Feb 17, 1996 in Port Angeles, Clallam co, WA
HELOISE'S FATHER, Clarence Lester MANSFIELD was born Oct 31, 1876 in Oregon, the son of John N Mansfield and Hannah Ralls. He died Aug 28, 1927 in Port Angeles, Clallam co, WA
Mrs. Shirley McLellan Rishel provided information about her uncle, John Kleyn. Shirley was born Jan 14, 1928 in CA, the daughter of Arlin and Beth (KLEYN) McLELLAN and died June 11, 2012. John's nephew visited the Philippines cemetery and had John's name inscribed on one of the crosses where they said John was interred.
Sources: http://www.ussmarblehead.com/crew/kleyn.html
Washington and California Birth, Marriage and Death Records; California Death Records; Worldconnect /Rootsweb; Census Records; WWII Prisoners of War, 1941-1946; California, Passenger and Crew Lists, 1882-1957; U.S. WWI Draft Registration Cards; etc.
John Robert Kleyn was born March 1, 1906 in Holland, Michigan one of six children of Henry and Mamie (GUNST) KLEYN, who were born in Michigan of Dutch descent. John was a Chief Machinist's Mate when he died in WWII on Feb 4, 1942 at age 35 when his ship, the USS Marblehead was bombed during the Battle of Makassar Strait in the Java sea, Indonesia. Fourteen of his fellow seamen died and 84 were wounded, some who later also died. Mr KLEYN's remains were moved from the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, in Manila to the Fort William McKinley Cemetery, Manila, Philippines.
John was awarded the Purple Heart; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Bar; American Defense Service Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Honorable Service Lapel Button (WWII) Good Conduct Medal; and the Good Conduct Pin.
JOHN JOINED THE US NAVY January 1925 and served on the USS Mississippi; the USS Jason; the USS Canopus and the USS Chaumont and on the USS Marblehead for 7 years from January 1935 until his death. His brother, James Henry KLEYN served with John on the USS Marblehead for 5 years from Dec 1936 to Feb 1941. John married Heloise Suzaina MANSFIELD in 1935. She was born Feb 11-12, 1912 in Hoquiam, Lewis co. or Grays Harbor Co., WA, the daughter of Clarence Lester and Burnice L. (Laloisetle) MANSFIELD.
On March 10, 1942, Captain Robinson sent a letter to John's brother, James Kleyn, notifying him of John's death. Following is the text of that letter.
"The Secretary of the Navy has tried to advise Mrs. Kleyn of the death of her husband. Mrs. Kleyn was living in Manila, Philippines, and it is improbable that any communications have reached her.
"John was buried, with other shipmates who were killed in action, in the European Cemetery at Tjilatjap, Java, Netherlands East Indies. Here in a quiet section of this beautiful island, the Netherlands Government has set aside an area for the interment of our heroic dead so that they may lie together in beautiful surroundings, in a sense under American soil and as a memorial to their high courage and ideals.
"A military funeral was held with escorts from both the American and Netherlands forces, and both Protestant and Catholic services were conducted by Chaplain Rentz of the USS Houston and Father Widenbusche of Tjilatjap.
"Kleyn had served in this ship for nearly seven years, and consequently he was well known to me. During the strained months that preceded the outbreak of hostilities and in the difficult periods of war service that followed, his courage, cheerfulness and resolute performance of duty were constantly observed and admired by all his shipmates, among whom he had a great number of very close friends.
"As his Captain, I deeply share your sense of sorrow and loss." Signed, A. G. Robinson, Captain; Commanding USS Marblehead
- - - - - - - - -
JOHN KLEYN's widow, Heloise Suzaina (MANSFIELD) KLEYN was held prisoner at Camp Santo Tomas in Manila Luzon, Philippines. She returned to the US on May 2, 1945 on the ship "Admiral E W Eberle" -her address listed as 2516 Cleveland Ave., Everett, WA. Her name was Heloise S. KLEYN Christenson when she married again July 16, 1962 in Riverside co, CA at age 50 to William H. Mawhinney who was 25, born Nov 29, 1936 the son of Harold and Martha (SWARTZ) MAWHINNEY. She died Dec 19, 1974 in San Luis Obispo co., CA at age 62. Her husband William Harold Mawhinney died March 24, 1984 in San Luis Obispo co, CA at age 47.
JOHN'S SIBLINGS:
* Dorothy Kleyn Collins, born 1901 in Holland, MI, died Dec 9, 1966 in Tacoma, WA. Her husband, Ralph David Collins born 1888, died 1971. Both buried in Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood, Wash.
* Mrs Mary Ruth Kleyn Davis born Sept 1889 in Holand, MI, married June 4, 1918 in Tacoma, WA, Daniel Stracklin Davis. Their son, Dan S. Jr was born March 25, 1919 in Pierce co, WA.
* Mrs Beth Kleyn McLellan born May 18, 1907 in Holland, MI, died Apr. 29, 1993, age 85. Married at age 17 Arlin McLellan on Aug. 22, 1924 in Tacoma, WA. He was born March 3, 1901 in Alabama and died May 5, 1974 at age 73. Both were buried in Oakwood Hill Cem., Tacoma, WA.
* Harold KLEYN born March 1910 in Spokane, WA
* James Henry KLEYN born April 10, 1916 in Spokane, WA died at age 27, February 4, 1944 at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, Alameda co., California, a WWII US Navy veteran. He was buried in Oakwood Hill Cemetery, Tacoma, Washington. James was 7 years old when his father died. He had served for five years on the USS Marblehead and he died exactly two years after his brother, John died on the USS Marblehead during WWII.
HELOISE'S SIBLINGS:
* Otis MANSFIELD born 1909 in WA
* Bernice Mansfield born Feb 11, 1912 in Chehalis co, WA
* James MANSFIELD born March 29, 1914 in Pacific co, WA
* Clyde L Mansfield born Nov 21, 1916 in Snohomish co, WA
* Lester "Petrick" Mansfield born July 5, 1918 in King co, WA, died Feb 17, 1996 in Port Angeles, Clallam co, WA
HELOISE'S FATHER, Clarence Lester MANSFIELD was born Oct 31, 1876 in Oregon, the son of John N Mansfield and Hannah Ralls. He died Aug 28, 1927 in Port Angeles, Clallam co, WA
Mrs. Shirley McLellan Rishel provided information about her uncle, John Kleyn. Shirley was born Jan 14, 1928 in CA, the daughter of Arlin and Beth (KLEYN) McLELLAN and died June 11, 2012. John's nephew visited the Philippines cemetery and had John's name inscribed on one of the crosses where they said John was interred.
Sources: http://www.ussmarblehead.com/crew/kleyn.html
Washington and California Birth, Marriage and Death Records; California Death Records; Worldconnect /Rootsweb; Census Records; WWII Prisoners of War, 1941-1946; California, Passenger and Crew Lists, 1882-1957; U.S. WWI Draft Registration Cards; etc.
John was awarded the Purple Heart; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon Bar; American Defense Service Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Honorable Service Lapel Button (WWII) Good Conduct Medal; and the Good Conduct Pin.
JOHN JOINED THE US NAVY January 1925 and served on the USS Mississippi; the USS Jason; the USS Canopus and the USS Chaumont and on the USS Marblehead for 7 years from January 1935 until his death. His brother, James Henry KLEYN served with John on the USS Marblehead for 5 years from Dec 1936 to Feb 1941. John married Heloise Suzaina MANSFIELD in 1935. She was born Feb 11-12, 1912 in Hoquiam, Lewis co. or Grays Harbor Co., WA, the daughter of Clarence Lester and Burnice L. (Laloisetle) MANSFIELD.
On March 10, 1942, Captain Robinson sent a letter to John's brother, James Kleyn, notifying him of John's death. Following is the text of that letter.
"The Secretary of the Navy has tried to advise Mrs. Kleyn of the death of her husband. Mrs. Kleyn was living in Manila, Philippines, and it is improbable that any communications have reached her.
"John was buried, with other shipmates who were killed in action, in the European Cemetery at Tjilatjap, Java, Netherlands East Indies. Here in a quiet section of this beautiful island, the Netherlands Government has set aside an area for the interment of our heroic dead so that they may lie together in beautiful surroundings, in a sense under American soil and as a memorial to their high courage and ideals.
"A military funeral was held with escorts from both the American and Netherlands forces, and both Protestant and Catholic services were conducted by Chaplain Rentz of the USS Houston and Father Widenbusche of Tjilatjap.
"Kleyn had served in this ship for nearly seven years, and consequently he was well known to me. During the strained months that preceded the outbreak of hostilities and in the difficult periods of war service that followed, his courage, cheerfulness and resolute performance of duty were constantly observed and admired by all his shipmates, among whom he had a great number of very close friends.
"As his Captain, I deeply share your sense of sorrow and loss." Signed, A. G. Robinson, Captain; Commanding USS Marblehead
- - - - - - - - -
JOHN KLEYN's widow, Heloise Suzaina (MANSFIELD) KLEYN was held prisoner at Camp Santo Tomas in Manila Luzon, Philippines. She returned to the US on May 2, 1945 on the ship "Admiral E W Eberle" -her address listed as 2516 Cleveland Ave., Everett, WA. Her name was Heloise S. KLEYN Christenson when she married again July 16, 1962 in Riverside co, CA at age 50 to William H. Mawhinney who was 25, born Nov 29, 1936 the son of Harold and Martha (SWARTZ) MAWHINNEY. She died Dec 19, 1974 in San Luis Obispo co., CA at age 62. Her husband William Harold Mawhinney died March 24, 1984 in San Luis Obispo co, CA at age 47.
JOHN'S SIBLINGS:
* Dorothy Kleyn Collins, born 1901 in Holland, MI, died Dec 9, 1966 in Tacoma, WA. Her husband, Ralph David Collins born 1888, died 1971. Both buried in Mountain View Memorial Park, Lakewood, Wash.
* Mrs Mary Ruth Kleyn Davis born Sept 1889 in Holand, MI, married June 4, 1918 in Tacoma, WA, Daniel Stracklin Davis. Their son, Dan S. Jr was born March 25, 1919 in Pierce co, WA.
* Mrs Beth Kleyn McLellan born May 18, 1907 in Holland, MI, died Apr. 29, 1993, age 85. Married at age 17 Arlin McLellan on Aug. 22, 1924 in Tacoma, WA. He was born March 3, 1901 in Alabama and died May 5, 1974 at age 73. Both were buried in Oakwood Hill Cem., Tacoma, WA.
* Harold KLEYN born March 1910 in Spokane, WA
* James Henry KLEYN born April 10, 1916 in Spokane, WA died at age 27, February 4, 1944 at the Naval Hospital in Oakland, Alameda co., California, a WWII US Navy veteran. He was buried in Oakwood Hill Cemetery, Tacoma, Washington. James was 7 years old when his father died. He had served for five years on the USS Marblehead and he died exactly two years after his brother, John died on the USS Marblehead during WWII.
HELOISE'S SIBLINGS:
* Otis MANSFIELD born 1909 in WA
* Bernice Mansfield born Feb 11, 1912 in Chehalis co, WA
* James MANSFIELD born March 29, 1914 in Pacific co, WA
* Clyde L Mansfield born Nov 21, 1916 in Snohomish co, WA
* Lester "Petrick" Mansfield born July 5, 1918 in King co, WA, died Feb 17, 1996 in Port Angeles, Clallam co, WA
HELOISE'S FATHER, Clarence Lester MANSFIELD was born Oct 31, 1876 in Oregon, the son of John N Mansfield and Hannah Ralls. He died Aug 28, 1927 in Port Angeles, Clallam co, WA
Mrs. Shirley McLellan Rishel provided information about her uncle, John Kleyn. Shirley was born Jan 14, 1928 in CA, the daughter of Arlin and Beth (KLEYN) McLELLAN and died June 11, 2012. John's nephew visited the Philippines cemetery and had John's name inscribed on one of the crosses where they said John was interred.
Sources: http://www.ussmarblehead.com/crew/kleyn.html
Washington and California Birth, Marriage and Death Records; California Death Records; Worldconnect /Rootsweb; Census Records; WWII Prisoners of War, 1941-1946; California, Passenger and Crew Lists, 1882-1957; U.S. WWI Draft Registration Cards; etc.
Bio by: Mary K. Ward
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Entered the service from California.
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