Fred Klein (right) checks flying a P-51 Mustang off his bucket list (shown with his co-pilot).
Phil Simpson
Having recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of his birth, there is little that SaddleBrooke resident Fred Klein hasn’t seen or experienced. Fred enjoyed a highly successful career in manufacturing and as an entrepreneur, along the way dedicating three years to the service of his country in World War II. Fred and his wife Pat of 70 years, who passed away this year, raised two sons, instilling in them their strong values. And for the last 10 years, Fred has become a highly decorated All-American and national record holder in U.S. Masters swimming.
There remained on Fred’s bucket list a particularly important, long-time objective. The story began when Fred, just a few months shy of the maximum entrance age of 26, joined the U.S. Marine Corps flight program, wanting to serve among the elite in his chosen military profession. Flight training commenced in Kansas in January 1943 as Fred earned his wings flying an open-cockpit biplane trainer, the Navy’s N3N, nicknamed the “Yellow Peril.” Advanced flight training continued in various locations before Fred was assigned in 1944 to the 433rd Marine Medium Bomber Squadron preparing at El Centro, California to deploy to the Pacific Theater. While training in El Centro, serendipity struck Lieutenant Klein. One evening he happened to spot a stunning, red-haired Marine private while enjoying an off-duty evening at a hotel lounge. The ban against fraternization notwithstanding, the private and lieutenant threw caution to the wind and five weeks later, Fred proposed to Pat. A wedding? If and when he returned from overseas duty.
Within a few days, Fred deployed to the Pacific. Fred flew 63 missions in the B-25 Mitchell, bringing the six-person crew home safely after each raid. Total damage to his aircraft? One bullet hole in the tail and a cracked windshield. His tour completed, Fred returned to California. Three days later, he married his red-haired private, who was thereafter required to carry a note from her commander saying it was permissible for her to be seen with the lieutenant.
While always longing to fly the P-51 Mustang, the fighter that saw action in the Pacific and European Theaters, an opportunity presented itself in April as the Scottsdale Municipal Airport hosted a touring World War II aircraft exhibition. Fred reserved a flight in the P-51. Upon arrival, Fred was accorded the celebrity status deserving of his military stature, and after much anticipation, he climbed into the cockpit, assuming the co-pilot’s position immediately behind the pilot. Once airborne, after all these years, Fred took the controls of the P-51. Back on the ground, flight personnel vied for the chance to be photographed with Fred. It was a truly memorable experience for Fred and for those of us fortunate enough to accompany him to Scottsdale. Congratulations Lieutenant Klein! Well done!
One week later, Fred celebrated reaching his century mark and established the all-time U.S. Masters Swimming record for his age group in the 50 yard backstroke. And so Fred Klein, what else do you have on your to-do list?