Lieutenant FREDERIC NATHANIEL EATON, born May 23, 1926 in Buffalo, New York, was killed in action on September 2, 1950 in Korea. He was the son of Mrs. Frederic N. Eaton and the late Mr. Eaton, 2002 "P" Street. N. W. Washington, D. C.

Lt. Eaton was graduated from West Point with the class of 1949. He served at Fort Riley, Kansas, and at Fort Benning. Georgia, where in June 1950 he also won his paratrooper and gliderman wings.

Fred attended Fork Union and St. Christopher's boys' schools in Virginia, Western High School in Washington, D. C. for two years and was graduated from Bullis Preparatory School, Silver Spring, Maryland, in June 1944. During World War II he served on the Dupont Circle home defense patrol and left Western High School in February 1943 to take a position as assistant map photographer and editor in the Army Map Service. In August 1944 he volunteered for induction into the Army and was inducted at Fort Meade, Maryland. He successfully completed the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory Courses given at Fort Benning and at Lafayette College. He won his principal appointment to West Point when granted the privilege of taking the competitive examinations by Congressman E. C. Gathings, First District, Arkansas, the home of his mother, Mrs. Amy Hughes Eaton.

Fred was famous for his good humor, natural ability, and belief in the good life. Modest in acclaiming his own accomplishments, he took pride in his cross country letter won at West Point, his twice broken nose which kept him from being "pro" in wrestling, his knowledge of the Russian Language, his Sunday School class at West Point, his barbershop baritone, and his $5 prizes awarded for the best short story and kodachrome shots. The story of his service in the defense of his country is told in three short letters addressed to his mother after be left the Washington Airport on August 10.

"August 19, 1950 from Tokyo to a Western Port.
Dearest Mom:
I am on a Japanese pullman car enroute to a port for embarkation to Pusan. I have been assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. I don't know what Regiment yet. I'll write you when I find out. It is now 12:46 this (Sunday) morning at home. Perhaps you are having trouble sleeping or are still listening to late news reports, wondering if I am in Korea yet.

It is dark now. Some of the houses actually have Japanese lanterns in them but most seem to have electricity. Even the train is electrified. We are passing out of Tokyo, and the sky has been lit up from time to time with fire works more beautiful than any I ever saw from the Monument grounds. I wonder what the occasion is******

This may be the last letter you get from me for quite a while, so don't be concerned if you don't receive word of me. Just follow the successful path of the 1st Cavalry on its march North. It has a proud tradition and a reputation for being first to uphold. Perhaps it will be first in Seoul, and if it is, I'll be with it and I know you will be too, in spirit. ***"

"August 22-Sasebo
In 14 hours I'll be in Pusan. I don't know what to write. There are only so many different ways to say don't worry. ***

I found this page from the Bible (91st Psalm) lying on a seat in the Tacoma, Washington, airfield. Please keep it safe until 1 return. I have to go now. I will write you after my first action and tell you all about it, God willing. ****"

"August 25
"I have been assigned to Company C of the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division. Everything here is quiet as you well know. You undoubtedly know more about what's going on outside of the Division than I do. The 7th Cavalry Regiment is the unit which General Custer commanded at Little Big Horn. You remember the story of the massacre on June 25 (the date of the Korean war when the 7th lost its Regimental colors. If you wanted to, you could read up on the details and tell me all about it. Please write to me. I haven't received a single letter since I left the States. Are you getting my letters? Much love, Fred."

Mrs Eaton received the last letter after Lt. Eaton's death and only a few days before the War Department telegram, informing her that her son had been killed in action on September 2. Fred was her only child. She considers his death a monument to the quiet glory of true American manhood and a few steps closer to the goal of the 1st Cavalry Division.

In memory of her son, his mother. Mrs. Amy H. Eaton, has presented two candlesticks and two vases to the Cadet Chapel at West Point. On one candlestick is inscribed: "Dedicated to Lt. Eaton's Platoon And Comrades Who Fell in Korea," on the other: "Dedicated to Co. B-1 And The Class of 1949." One vase bears the inscription: "In Memory of Lt. Frederic N. Eaton-1949, Co. C-7th Cav. Reg., lst Cav. Div. Killed in Korea Sept. 2, 1960"; the other: "He Had Clean Hands And A Pure Heart: Lifted Not His Soul Up Unto Vanity, Nor Swore Deceitfully."

Personal Eulogy