August Lentz, Jr. '26
Date of birth: April 7, 1903
Date of death: September 15, 1942
Age: 39
Lucky Bag
From the 1926 Lucky Bag:
August William Lentz, Jr.
Jersey City, New Jersey
"Gus" "Grandpa" "Baldy"
THE grand old man in person. Behold, then, one of the original hairless, super-editions of the Jersey variety. I say behold him, but you could hardly miss him. When he came to us late Plebe summer it was evident that our class had gained in size as well as number.
Gus first sought the higher knowledge in the halls of Rutgers, where he acquitted himself in noble style on the football field. Just to prove that brass buttons didn't cramp his style, Gus made the varsity Plebe year and has been as permanent as the Navy Goat ever since. And as a Captain Gus further proved that age made no difference in football a la good. One would, offhand, fail to see anything pugnacious in so shy an appearing chap, but several of the gentlemen from colleges hereabouts can testify to his ring prowess.
Uncle Gus will always be remembered for his extra-size heart, and many are the fortunate lads adopted by this kindly paternal bulwark of good fellowship and radiant Dutch cheer. May Baldy's cruises be as big as the ships it will take to hold him, and may his side of the line in the Big Game be counted upon.
Football Squad (4, 3, 2, 1), N (4, 3, 2, 1), Captain (1); Boxing (4, 3, 2, 1), Navy Numerals (3), N(2, 1); Class Track (4, 3), Numerals (4, 3); Lacrosse Squad (3); Gymkhana (4, 3).
Loss
August was lost when USS Wasp (CV 7) was sunk by a Japanese submarine on September 15, 1942. He was the ship's aerographer since June; previously he was the aerographer for Fleet Air Wing (FAW) 5 in Norfolk, Virginia.
His wife was listed as next of kin.
Memorial Hall Error
August is a "Jr." in the Lucky Bag, but this suffix is omitted on the class of 1926 panel and the killed in action panel in Memorial Hall.
Class of 1926
August is one of 36 members of the Class of 1926 on Virtual Memorial Hall.
