Sol Kantor was born on September 22, 1922, in Russia. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 17, 1942. After completing basic training, submarine school, and torpedoman training, TM3c Kantor served on two war patrols aboard the submarine USS Whale (SS-239), between October 1942 and April 1943, followed by electrical school and then one war patrol aboard the submarine USS Flier (SS-250) from December 1943 until he died aboard that submarine after striking a mine on August 13, 1944. He was officially listed as Missing in Action until declared dead on January 19, 1946. On February 1, 2010, the U.S. Navy confirmed the sunken Gato-class submarine in the Balabac Strait in the Philippines is the World War II submarine USS Flier (SS-250).

His 2nd Navy Commendation Medal Citation reads:

On the third war patrol conducted by the U.S.S. WHALE, into extremely hazardous waters, a mission was successfully completed, which resulted in the sinking of two large enemy vessels, and serious damage to two others. As a member of the crew of the U.S.S. WHALE, you contributed materially to the damaging and sinking of the enemy ships. Your coolness under depth charge attacks is especially commendatory. The Commanding Officer takes pleasure in commending you for an excellent performance of duty.