Norman E. Kleiner enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII and served from 1943-1945. As a member of the 35th Infantry Division, 137th Regiment, Company H, Norman saw action in Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Bronze Star. In 2011, he received the Legion of Honor from the government of the French Republic for his service to their country during WWII.

One experience Norman talks about happened on their way to Nancy, France. An explosion near the road blew him into the air and when he regained consciousness, there was no one around. When a vehicle finally came by, he hitched a ride back to camp and found he had been reported dead and his belongings sent back to England.

Norman had a long career as a Detroit Police Officer after his military service. After his retirement in 1976, he and his beautiful wife, Virginia, settled in Northville. They were active volunteers in Northville for several decades and were regularly seen at a variety of community functions. Norman participated in the Mid-Michigan Honor Flight in 2018 and still attends as many veterans functions as possible. His family is endlessly thankful and proud of his service to his country.

- The Kleiner Family