William Klersy

William Thomas Klersy, (30 July 1922 – 22 May 1945) was a Canadian flying ace who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during the Second World War. During his service with the RCAF, he was credited with at least fifteen aerial victories.

Born in Brantford, Klersy joined the RCAF in 1941. After serving with No. 130 Squadron in Canada, he was sent to the United Kingdom in June 1943. Posted to No. 401 Squadron, he achieved a number of aerial victories and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) before going to a staff posting with No. 83 Group in September 1944. Subsequently, awarded a Bar to his DFC, he returned to operational duties in early 1945 with a posting back to No. 401 Squadron as its commander, leading the unit as it supported the Allied advance into Germany. He was killed in a flying accident in The Netherlands on 22 May 1945. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO).