Abram B. Pankratz

Camp Dodge, IA; Camp Cody, New Mexico; Camp Dix, N.J.; Camp LeMans, France / World War I
  • Military specialty: Infantry
  • Awards: Unknown

b. 27 Apr 1896; d. 29 May 1972. Abram Benjamin Pankratz was born in Lakeside Twp., Cottonwood Co., MN to Benjamin Jacob and Gertrude (Harder) Pankratz. He grew up working on the family farm and attending rural public school in Lakeside Twp., where he completed the eighth grade.  While living in the area of Mt. Lake, he was a member of the Bethany Mennonite Church.

On 5 Jun 1917, Abram registered for the draft in Cottonwood Co., and on 23 Jul 1917, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Co. C, 351st Infantry, 88th Division, at Camp Dodge, IA.  On 25 Oct 1917, he was transferred to Co. C, 135th Infantry, 34th Division, at Camp Cody, NM.  Again, on 25 Jul 1918, he was transferred to Camp Dix, NJ.  On 10 Aug 1918, Abram was promoted to the rank of Corporal while stationed at Camp Dix. His unit arrived in France on 17 Sep 1918 where he was assigned to an American Embarkation Center.  On 20 Oct 1918, he was transferred to 142nd Infantry, 36th Division, AEF, at Camp LeMans, France.  The 36th Division was involved in combat in the Champagne area from 6 to 28 Oct 1918.  It is unknown if Corporal Pankratz was involved in any combat.  On 19 Apr 1919 his unit returned to the U.S. and on 7 May 1919, he was discharged at Camp Grant, IL.

Abram registered for the draft in 1942 during the time of WWII.

After his service in WWI, Abram returned home and worked on the farm until around 1935 when he relocated to North Hollywood, CA where he was employed by a dairy farm around 1940.  By 1942, Abram lived with  John H. Pankratz (relationship unknown) and worked for the Bendix Aviation Lt’d. in North Hollywood.  On 7 Jul 1949, Abram married Mary Ellen Dodgon in Los Angeles, CA. According to the phone book records, Abram lived in Eugene, OR in 1960 where he worked as a carpenter.  On 29 May 1972, he passed away in Polk Co., OR and was buried in the Williamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR.

 

  • Obituary: No