TankDestroyer.net

SEEK * STRIKE * DESTROY

Kane, Francis J. (6th Grp)

Francis J. Kane

Biography:  Francis Joseph Kane was born on November 28, 1920 in Wilkes Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.  He was the son of Martin P. Kane and Mary A. O’Hara.  His enlistment record indicates he completed 3 years of high school. 

Service Time:  Francis enlisted in the Army on January 7, 1941 at Wilkes Barre, PA.  We have no information on his early military years but he is listed on the 6th Tank Destroyer Group payroll roster of 7-28-43.  They arrived in England on Feb. 5, 1944 and then shipped to France, landing on Jul. 25, 1944, acting as part of Task Force “A”, VIII Corps of Third Army.  Beginning Sep. 5, 1944, the unit supported XIII Corps, Ninth Army, as their Anti-Tank section.  They moved into Belgium on Oct. 24, 1944, and then into Holland on Nov. 6, 1944.  The 6th then moved into Germany on Mar. 16, 1945.  The unit was deactivated on May 1, 1946, and redesignated as the 5th Constabulatory Regiment, serving on occupation duty, on the same date.  Francis left the service at Indiantown Gap, PA on October 26, 1945, at the rank of Technician Fifth Grade (T5).

After he returned home, Francis married the former Mary E. Snee, from Wilkes-Barre, on June 28, 1948.  She was the daughter of James Snee and Mary Maloney.

Francis passed away on November 25, 1983 and was buried in the Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City, Brome County, New York.