Clarence E. Kantz
Rank: Sergeant, U.S. Army
Unit: Company K, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division
Entered service from: New Jersey
Died:
Buried at: Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Romagne, France — Plot A, Row 26, Grave 17
Awards: Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart
Sergeant Clarence E. Kantz was born in Clearfield County, PA on December 14, 1894, to George A. and Merita “Minnie” Kantz. His father was farming in 1900; however, the family would later come to Camden, NJ. When Clarence Kantz registered for the draft in June of 1917 he was working as a telephone operator at Broad Street Station in Philadelphia, PA. He lived with his mother and brother Carl at 420 South 2nd Street in Camden, NJ.
Clarence Kantz was drafted and sent to Camp Dix, NJ on September 8, 1917. He eventually was promoted to Sergeant. According to the book Camden County in the Great War, Clarence Kantz went to France on April 13, 1918 as a member of Company E, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Infantry Division. He later served with Company K of the 311th Infantry Regiment.
Sergeant Kantz was killed in action in the Argonne Forest near Grand Pre, France on October 26, 1918. He was cited for bravery and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross posthumously by General John J. Pershing.
Distinguished Service Cross Citation
KANTZ, CLARENCE E.
Sergeant, U.S. Army
Company K, 311th Infantry Regiment, 78th Division, A.E.F.
Date of Action: October 26, 1918The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Clarence E. Kantz, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Grand Pre, France, October 26, 1918. During an enemy counterattack, Sergeant Kantz by his foresight saved the company on the right of his platoon by reinforcing that company’s flank. This action stopped the advance of several machine gunners who were advancing through our lines at that point, but cost Sergeant Kantz his life.
General Orders No. 20, W.D., 1919
Home Town: Camden, NJ
World War I Draft Registration Card
World War I Draft Registration Card for Clarence E. Kantz.
Honor Roll Card
Camden County World War I Honor Roll card for Clarence E. Kantz.
Mother Believes Death Report False
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Stricken with an internal ailment shortly after being notified of the death in France of her son, Sergeant Clarence Kantz, Mrs. Minnie Kantz, of 420 South Second street, is recovering in Cooper Hospital from the effects of a serious operation. Kantz was killed while saving several of his companions and was later cited for distinguished bravery. His grief-stricken mother has all along clung to the belief that an error has been made in listing him among the dead and she still holds to the hope that he may return to her.