- Home
- World War II
- Army & Army Air Corps
- Kautz, Raymond S
Kautz, Raymond S
Raymond S. Kautz was born on August 18, 1913 and lived in Willistown Township. Raymond was the oldest of two children. He graduated from Radnor High School, then continued his education at West Chester State Teachers College graduating in 1935 with a Bachelor of Science degree. While at WCSTC he played on the varsity football team.
Ray continued his education at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. After his education Ray spent three working summers in Argentine, South America, organizing and directing camps for American and English children. When he returned he became the director of the Ted Hilton camp in Connecticut.
Ray enlisted in the Army National Guard on February 17, 1941 in Harrisburg. He attended Officers Training School at Fort Benning, Georgia, graduating as a Second Lieutenant. He was then promoted to First Lieutenant in October and stationed with the 930th Air Base Security Battalion in North Carolina.
Ray continued his education at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. After his education Ray spent three working summers in Argentine, South America, organizing and directing camps for American and English children. When he returned he became the director of the Ted Hilton camp in Connecticut.
Ray enlisted in the Army National Guard on February 17, 1941 in Harrisburg. He attended Officers Training School at Fort Benning, Georgia, graduating as a Second Lieutenant. He was then promoted to First Lieutenant in October and stationed with the 930th Air Base Security Battalion in North Carolina.
Ray married Helen Falson of Raleigh, North Carolina on November 7th 1942.
Ray was sent overseas to the European Theater of Operations in October 1944, and promoted to Commanding Officer of Company I, 424th Infantry Regiment 106th Infantry Division.
Lieutenant Raymond S. Kautz was Killed In Action on January 13, 1945 in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. He is buried at tin Henri-Champelle, American Cemetery in Belgium.
Ray was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star as well as the Purple Heart. A Daily Local News article in 1946 included a report regarding the circumstances of Ray’s death. The report which the family received as to Lieut. Kautz’s death was that his unit had been sent into Belgium to drive the Germans from the town of Henurout, where they were making a murderous attack. Lieut. Kautz let the first platoon against a machine gun position, where the casualties were very heavy. The attack, however drove the enemy from the town. It was in this attack that Lieut. Kautz was wounded, but he continued to direct the attack until he became too weak. Her refused aid and insisted his men be giving aid first. When they returned to him, it was too late. His bravery listed him as an excellent officer and soldier. He died a hero’s death, clearly over and above the call of duty, and has been recommended of one of the Army’s highest citations.
A tribute was paid to Raymond’s memory by Milno Light, former Dean of Men at West Chester State Teacher College.
A brave and fine young men was “Ray”
He strove for us and freedom’s cause,
And gave his life blood in the fray,
That Right not might, shall bear the Cross
Take heed he was not maimed for life,
He upheld righteousness ablaze
He was a hero in the strife,
And deserves our profoundest praise.
In June, 1946 a service was held at the University of Pennsylvania in commemoration of the 414 young men who gave their lives in World War II, including Raymond. The ceremony was conducted at Irvine Hall, followed by an Academic Recession to the steps of the Library, where a wreath was laid before their Honor Roll. The families including Ray’s, received certificates expressing the University’s remembrance and pride in their devotion to the cause of our country.
Rays brother Lynford served during the war in the Army. He later joined the Navy and retired with the rank of Admiral.
Research by Don Wambold, WCMSC
Ray was sent overseas to the European Theater of Operations in October 1944, and promoted to Commanding Officer of Company I, 424th Infantry Regiment 106th Infantry Division.
Lieutenant Raymond S. Kautz was Killed In Action on January 13, 1945 in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge. He is buried at tin Henri-Champelle, American Cemetery in Belgium.
Ray was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star as well as the Purple Heart. A Daily Local News article in 1946 included a report regarding the circumstances of Ray’s death. The report which the family received as to Lieut. Kautz’s death was that his unit had been sent into Belgium to drive the Germans from the town of Henurout, where they were making a murderous attack. Lieut. Kautz let the first platoon against a machine gun position, where the casualties were very heavy. The attack, however drove the enemy from the town. It was in this attack that Lieut. Kautz was wounded, but he continued to direct the attack until he became too weak. Her refused aid and insisted his men be giving aid first. When they returned to him, it was too late. His bravery listed him as an excellent officer and soldier. He died a hero’s death, clearly over and above the call of duty, and has been recommended of one of the Army’s highest citations.
A tribute was paid to Raymond’s memory by Milno Light, former Dean of Men at West Chester State Teacher College.
A brave and fine young men was “Ray”
He strove for us and freedom’s cause,
And gave his life blood in the fray,
That Right not might, shall bear the Cross
Take heed he was not maimed for life,
He upheld righteousness ablaze
He was a hero in the strife,
And deserves our profoundest praise.
In June, 1946 a service was held at the University of Pennsylvania in commemoration of the 414 young men who gave their lives in World War II, including Raymond. The ceremony was conducted at Irvine Hall, followed by an Academic Recession to the steps of the Library, where a wreath was laid before their Honor Roll. The families including Ray’s, received certificates expressing the University’s remembrance and pride in their devotion to the cause of our country.
Rays brother Lynford served during the war in the Army. He later joined the Navy and retired with the rank of Admiral.
Credits
Research by Don Wambold, WCMSC