During his service in France, Lieutenant Campbell demonstrated exceptional leadership. In letters home, he recounted leading an attack during the St. Mihiel Offensive, during which his captain was wounded. Tragically, on November 1, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive—a critical campaign that contributed to the end of World War I—Lieutenant Campbell was killed in action near Remonville, in the Department des Ardennes, France. He was 25 years old.

Lieutenant Campbell was laid to rest at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, Department de la Meuse, Lorraine, France. In 1930, his mother, Addie, then residing in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, participated in the War Mothers’ Pilgrimage to visit his grave.

In August 1946, his name was inscribed on a bronze tablet honoring Manual High School graduates who were killed in World Wars I and II. The tablet was placed inside the school’s main entrance as a permanent tribute to his sacrifice.

Lieutenant Campbell’s military career was marked by dedication and valor. He joined the 1st Kentucky Infantry before the enlistment period closed and attended the second officers’ training camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison as an alternate, where he was commissioned as a First Lieutenant upon graduation. Later, he was sent to Fort Riley and, for several months, was in charge of troop trains to embarkation points. His eagerness to serve on the front lines was evident, as he remarked that if he were not sent as an officer, he would ask to go across as a Private. Before entering the service, Lieutenant Campbell was connected with the Sun Varnish Company. He was the son of S. A. Campbell, an official of the Louisville Taxicab Company and a member of the Rotary and Transportation Clubs.

Lieutenant Samuel Archibald Campbell, Jr.’s commitment to his country and his ultimate sacrifice remain a testament to his bravery and dedication.

Gave His Life to Cause After Valiant Service

The military career of Lieut. S. Arch Campbell, who was killed in action in France November 1, was an unusually interesting one. He joined the old 1st Kentucky before the period of enlistment closed; went to the second officers’ training camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison as an alternate and was commissioned a First Lieutenant upon being graduated.  Later he was sent to Fort Riley, and for several months was in charge of troop trains to embarkation points. So eager was he to get to the front that he remarked that if he were not sent as an officer he would ask to go across as a Private.

Letters received here from him, after he went across, conveyed the information that he had led an attack at St. Mihiel, his Captain being wounded.

Before entering the service, Lieut. Campbell was connected with the Sun Varnish Company.  He was 25 years old and the son of S. A. Campbell, an official of the Louisville Taxicab Company and a member of the Rotary and Transportation Clubs.[1]

In 1930, his mother, Addie, at the time was living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, made the 1930 War Mothers’ Pilgrimage to visit his grave.[2]

“Gold Star Mothers” Leave Next Week for Poppy Fields of France.

. . . Mrs. Addie C. Campbell is not a member of the local auxiliary but still retains her membership with the Jefferson Post, American Legion Auxiliary, of Louisville, Ky. . . Her son, Samuel Archibald Campbell Jr., died November 1, 1918.  He was killed in action around the Argonne.  He was with Company K, 355th Infantry.  He received his training at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana, where he received his commission.  He was made First Lieutenant November 25, 1917.[3]

In August 1946, his name was inscribed on a bronze tablet honoring Manual graduates that were killed in World Wars I and II.  The tablet was set in a permanent base inside the school’s main entrance.[4]

Gave His Life to Cause After Valiant Service

The military career of Lieut. S. Arch Campbell, who was killed in action in France November 1, was an unusually interesting one. He joined the old 1st Kentucky before the period of enlistment closed; went to the second officers’ training camp at Fort Benjamin Harrison as an alternate and was commissioned a First Lieutenant upon being graduated.  Later he was sent to Fort Riley, and for several months was in charge of troop trains to embarkation points. So eager was he to get to the front that he remarked that if he were not sent as an officer he would ask to go across as a Private.

Letters received here from him, after he went across, conveyed the information that he had led an attack at St. Mihiel, his Captain being wounded.

Before entering the service Lieut. Campbell was connected with the San Varnish Company.  He was 25 years old and the son of S. A. Campbell, an official of the Louisville Taxicab Company and a member of the Rotary and Transportation Clubs.[5]

[1] The Courier-Journal, 8 Dec 1918, p. 15.

[2] Pilgrimages of Gold Star Mothers and Widows, 1930-1933. 

[3] The Sentinel, [Winston-Salen, NC] 21 Jun 1930, p. 11.

[4] The Courier-Journal, 11 Aug 1946, p. 48.

[5] The Courier-Journal, 8 Dec 1918, p. 15.