1st Sgt. William “Bill” Fleck
1st Sgt. William “Bill” Fleck, United States Army (retired), of Presque Isle, passed January 25, 2023, from wounds and trauma he suffered during multiple humanitarian and combat deployments with the United States Marine Corps and United States Army in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.
Bill was born to Raymond F. Fleck Sr. and Sandra E. Fleck November 10, 1969, in Alpena. After graduating from Alpena High School, Bill joined the United States Marine Corps, where he was selected for and served in the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Special Operations Group, Special Missions Branch.
Bill later transferred to the United States Army where he was assigned to the 311th Military Intelligence Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Long Range Surveillance Detachment, where he secured routes for the first troops to enter Iraq. He later served at Ft. Benning, Georgia, the University of Oklahoma, and his final assignment was in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
Bill held several elite qualifications; including, U.S. Army ranger, Pathfinder, Special Forces combat diver, Airborne (HALO), and Air Assault. Some of his awards included: four Bronze Stars, three Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal with V-Device, National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Kosovo Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and numerous other awards and accolades.
His proudest accomplishment was the fact that all his soldiers made it back.
In addition to his many military accomplishments, Bill was fascinated by Egypt, publishing papers and books following his military retirement including the “Great Pyramid of Giza: A Lesson in Creative and Critical Thinking,” “Axiom: A Jar for Tog,” and “Dark Matter Backwards: The Blinding of Truth by Falsehood.”
Beloved son, brot
Bill is survived by his father, Raymond Fleck Sr., Shelbyville, Kentucky; a brother, Raymond (Tammy) Fleck, Puyallup, Washington; a sister, Karyn (Paul) Hunting, Madison, South Dakota; and a brother, Gary (De’Cha) Fleck, Alexandria, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his mother, Sandra E. Fleck (Miller); and a sister, Tina M. Fleck.
Bill has been taken for cremation with no services planned at this time. To honor his memory, please consider a donation, in Bill’s name, to the veterans’ charity of your choice.
McWilliams Funeral Home was entrusted with Bill’s care.