Claude Kiger enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 8, 1941. He completed basic training at Paris Island, S.C., and advance training at Camp Geiger, N.C. (now Camp LeJeune). He was assigned to the 2nd Division, 2nd Battalion, and deployed to the Pacific Theater.

   Kiger first engaged in combat at Guadalcanal. He served in battle on the islands of Tarawa, Saipan and Tinian and was twice wounded. He was discharged in 1946, reenlisted, and served two years as a Marine Corps recruiter in Winston Salem, N.C. Kiger held the rank of Sergeant when he left the military.