United States Merchant Marine Academy - Midships Yearbook (Kings Point, NY)

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 2008 s Dedication os XConis, 1LSJA sag Above: Lt. Klonis on the bridge of the Kings Pointer during the 2007 Summer Trip. It is unusual that a Midshipsnol be dedicated to a Kings Point faculty or staff ' member, but rather to a family member of on ;. - however, any Deckie here knows to expect the unexpected from Lt. Evangelos Klonis. The staff originally chose to dedicate this edition to Lt. Klonis, but we were led down a different path. Lt. Klonis is the Training Officer j f the Kings Pointer and teaches navigation courses at the Academy. During license prep every spring, he can be found each night on the third deck of Bowditch Hall, tutoring weary deckies well into pre-dawn hours. While many staff members of the Marine Transportation Department are integral to the success 5f Midshipmen during license, no one can argue Lf. Klonis selflessness and dedication during those difficult times -'' HOweyer deserving Lt. Klonis is of a • Midships dedication, he is extremely modest and wanted “a true hero” to be recognized instead. He requested that the honor be awarded to his father, and given his fascinating story, we are pleased to oblige. Lt. Klonis’ father, Angelos Klonis, was bom in 1916 on the Greek island of Kefallonia. During WWL his family suffered-as the island was blockaded, and.later althe age of nine J Angelos went to work in Athens to support liis struggling family. During the following years, he : became enthused at the idea of the “American . Dream,” and in his early thirties he stowed away on a freighter to try to make a life for himself in ■ America: .. While in America, the Klonis family rnembers left in Greece were killed by the - invading Germans at the outset oLWWII. Angelos never forgot;Hb his family suffered, nor how much better things were in America. For these reasons he immediately joined the U.S. Army following Pearl Harbor. Due to his unusual zeal and tenacity, he received elite training before being deployed overseas. 22

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SUPERINTENDENT UNITED STATES MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY KINGS POINT. NEW YORK 1 1024-1 60S June 16, 2008 To the Class of 2008: Congratulations! Today you join a very special and select group: the alumni of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. By successfully completing the Academy's rigorous and demanding program, you have truly earned your designation as Kings Pointers. During your years at the Academy, you have worked together as a class to reach your goals and to make Kings Point the very best. I am proud of your achievements and offer you a sincere Well Done. As you undertake your journey through life, both professionally and personally, you will face numerous challenges. Rest assured that you have been well prepared to meet and master all that you encounter. I am confident that you will serve the Nation well and bring honor and pride to your class and to your alma mater. Fair winds and following seas, 2008! PH D. STEWART Admiral, USMS

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M .w ■}t Sgt. Klonis fought in Africa during Operation Torch, and later invaded Sicily with the Third Infantry Division. While still fighting in Italy, he was transferred to England for the upcoming invasion of France. Angelos landed with the first waves at Omaha Beach, and continued fighting in Normandy, and later the Battle of the Bulge. He also performed a mission in Saipan before the war’s conclusion. His war record is too extensive to be justly covered here, and a,book on his experiences is currently in the works. Sgt. Klonis’ experiences during WWII took a heavy toll on him, yet he was able to instill his son. Kings Point’s Lt. Klonis, with a deep sense of duty, which he carries with him to this day. His life and patriotism core value truly in keeping withrfhe Academy’s service above self. -• Jmk' fi asta zi jw. ogi. Klonis and fellow-soldiers in England prior to D-Day, :• •- j r. W. Eugene Smith 1918-1978 Above: A 2002 U.S. postage stamp depicting a W. Eugene Smith photograph of Sgt. Klonis.