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Clarence E Arndt

War: World War II
Parent/Wife: William
City: Wisc. Rapids
Birth Date: 24 Jan 1917
Death Date: 8 Nov 1942
How Died: Ship sunk
Where Died: North Africa
Where Buried: Mia
Rank: Pfc
Branch: Army

Kia=Killed in Action
Dow=Died of Wounds
Dod=Died of Disease
Mia=Missing in Action

Stories

Clarence Arndt

Clarence Arndt was one of the great Americans who died for our country during World War II. Clarence was born on January 24, 1917. He was a good example of what a Wisconsinite should be. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Arndt, raised him to be a respectful, strong, and caring young man. When Clarence was 24, he was drafted.

World War II started on August 21, 1939, for the rest of the world. The United States did not join the war until December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The U.S. deployed many units across the Pacific Ocean. Clarence was deployed with the Portage County unit, and sent to North Africa. The North African Campaign was important because it was the only land-based fight that our allies could take to the axis powers. It was the first land-based fight we won until we succeeded to take Italy.

On November 8, 1942, Clarence lost his life while on a ship that was sunk. Clarence was a Private First Class in the Army. He was declared Missing in Action. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Clarence Arndt should be remembered as a hero who died for his country. He was a well respected leader who wanted to do the right thing. Clarence was only 25 when he died. He will always be remembered as a hero.

Written by:
Aaron Wiater,
East Junior High School

 


Pfc. Clarence E. Arndt was born in the town of Grant, Portage County on January 24th, 1917 to Mr. and Mrs. William Arndt. He grew up and received his education in Grant until he left for service. Clarence was part of the Portage County draft quota on October 28th, 1941 and was trained at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After finishing his training he then continued on his way to Ireland where he was stationed for seven months.

Pfc. Clarence E. Arndt was sent to serve in northwestern Africa with local Wisconsin friend Ivan G. Sadowska. In 1942, both young men were thought to have gone missing in action in an invasion burst against the French colonies in early November. That month, Mr. and Mrs. Arndt were notified in a telegram from the war department that stated that their son has been listed as missing in action since November 8, 1942.

Mr. and Mrs. Arndt later learned that their son died when his ship sunk during the invasion on northwest Africa. With closure on how their son died, Mr. and Mrs. Arndt held a service in memory of Clarence E. Arndt on Sunday, November 28th.

Clarence's stories and achievements will be remembered by his parents, six brothers; Wilbert, Henry, Edwin, Emil, Kenneth, Elmer, four sisters; Esther, George, Mildred, Gertrude, and anyone that had the pleasure of meeting Clarence E. Arndt.

Written by:
Alex Tomsyck
East Junior High

 


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