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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