Louis Kalem was born on September 10, 1915 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Frank Kalemkiewicz and Stella Sophie Kubas Kalemkiewicz. He received his B.A. degree from Wayne University Law School in June, 1936 and his law degree in June, 1940. He was admitted to the bar in Sept 1940. Detroit News collector; was an editorial and sports employee.

He entered the Army in Oct, 1941, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in May, 1942. He was promoted to first lieutenant in Oct, 1942, and promoted to captain in Sept, 1943. Captain Kalem was Killed in Action on October 1, 1944 at the age of 29 in Italy and is now buried in the Sacred Heart of Saint Mary Cemetery, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, USA. A member of the 2nd Battalion, 350th Infantry Regiment, his unit was cited for outstanding performance of duty in action during the period 27 September to 3 October 1944 at Mt. Battaglia, Italy against German forces. For seven days, amidst powerful counterattacks, the men of the battalion repulsed each attack with fighting ability and teamwork, therefore, their objective was accomplished.