Dennis Klimpke Collection, 1965-2002
Content Description
The richest sources of information in the collection are the letters exchanged between Klimpke and his mother, siblings, and girlfriend. They illuminate Dennis Klimpke’s military and combat experiences and his relationships with various members of his family. The military records document Klimpke’s progress through military training, honors awarded to Klimpke, and the circumstances of his death. Newspaper clippings and a letter dated 2002 from a fellow soldier whom Klimpke befriended while serving in Vietnam.
Dates
- Creation: 1965-2002
Creator
- Klimpke, Clarence (Person)
Access Restrictions
Collection is open to the public.
Use Restrictions
Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. Copyright owned by the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.
Biographical/Historical Note
Dennis Lee Klimpke was born in Colby, Wisconsin, on October 14, 1946, and attended Colby High School. He enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in September 1965, after nine months of service. In August 1967 he was drafted into the army. He received his basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. After graduating basic training, he was assigned to the 27th Infantry (the “Wolfhounds”). His service with Company B, 2nd Battalion in Vietnam began on January 18, 1968. Klimpke was killed in action on April 15, 1968. He was posthumously awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in conduct, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart.
Extent
0.2 Linear Feet (1/2 Archives Box)
Language of Materials
English
Summary
Photocopied correspondence, newspaper articles, photographs, and military records of a Vietnam War soldier from Colby, Wisconsin, Dennis Lee Klimpke. Klimpke was killed in action on April 15, 1968. He was posthumously awarded a Silver Star for gallantry in conduct, a Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart.
Acquisition Information
Donated to Special Collections & Archives, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire by Clarence Klimpke (Dennis Klimpke's brother) in July 2006.
Accession Number
07-063
Reference Code
UHC292
Processing Note
Processed by Colleen McFarland in August 2006.
Subject
- Klimpke, Dennis (Person)
- United States. Army. Infantry Division, 27th. Battalion, 2nd. (Organization)
- Status
- Published
- Author
- Alexis Casares
- Date
- December 5, 2023
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and Archives, McIntyre Library, UW-Eau Claire Repository
Special Collections and Archives, McIntyre Library
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
103 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire WI 54701 United States
715-836-2739
library.archives@uwec.edu