It was in Korea-'A" Company, 5th Cavalry of the 1st Cavalry Division was in the attack, trying to take its objective --a commanding hill on one of the key approaches to Taegu. The hill had changed hands daily for over 10 days. George's platoon was assigned a support mission in the attack. As the leading platoons of "A" Company jumped off they received heavy small arms fire from the objective and the attack bogged down. George saw that he could help if he could get his machine gun and some riflemen on a lower side hill. He worked his way on reconnaissance to the flanking hill 300 yards to the right front of his platoon and signaled his gun team and riflemen forward. Going back part way to meet them and to lead and direct them personally into position he was hit by a sniper's bullet and instantly killed. His men moved to the selected position later, covered the assault. platoons, and the hill was secured. This was George's shining hour. his supreme contribution toward the opening of the path to Taegu.

The preceding account was furnished be Beecher Brian, a nigh life-long friend of George's from boyhood days in the Philippines, on through Sully's, the Academy, Riley, Benning, on the plane to the Far East, and finally ending with George's death in Korea with A.B. in the Battalion next to his. A. B. (Beecher) met George's company while on patrol somewhere in Korea and got the full account from its members. He said that all of the men in "A" Company with whom he talked spoke most highly of George.

 George was born at Fort Totten, New York. on January 26. 1927, the son of Colonel William M. Tow and Marion Lyons Tow. His education was as diversified as his father's assignments. He was schooled in Pen sylvania, the Philippines, Missouri. California and New York, and was graduated from the Alcee Fortier High School in New Orleans. Louisiana, in 1944. George was an honor student in high school and extended his extra-curricular activities to the Boy Scouts, the school band, and the dramatic society. During the winter of 1944-46 he studied for his entrance exam to West Point at Sullivan Preparatory School in Washington, DC.. His appointment to enter the Academy in July came from the Second Congressional District of Montana, the early home of Colonel Tow, his father. George's mind wqas keen but it was forever being sharpened so as not to beget just a "good student."  The Choir, Hundreth Night Shows and Intramural teams - all benefitted from George's interest and industry.  His personality drew a host of friends. His goal was his commission in 1949.

After graduation from the Military Academy, George's professional training was continued at the Ground General School, Fort Riley, and at The Infantry School, Fort Benning, with the result that by June 1950, when he left Fort Benning for Japan, any commander would have been glad to have him in his outfit and any soldier proud to have him as his leader. All of us who knew George's charm and personality were proud to have him as a friend. He impressed us all with his unstinting selflessness and idealism. He was truly a young man and officer of great promise. Reports tell us that during his all too short career as a leader he was beloved by his men. We are proud of George Tow in death, but we wish that this classmate and friend might have come through the current conflict to leave enjoyed a normal career in his profession. We are confident that our associations and friendships would have become richer through the years. George had much  to give the Army.  but it was his lot to give his all as a platoon  leader on a hill near Taegu. leaving to others more fortunate than he the responsibilities of senior leadership. It is for us to carry on where he left off.

A high sense of responsibility and a keen appreciation of duty were characteristics of George Tow. It was not unlike him therefore to write from the hospital in Pusan where he was recovering from wounds from mortar fragments received on August 27, "I have had a good rest and naturally am not anxious to go back but pangs of conscience won't let me 'goldbrick' any more. I know what my men are going through up at the front. The Doc is a good Joe and he more or less lets one decide when he is ready to go back. It's only three hours to Taegu where my division's replacement company is. I will check out tonight and will probably be there tomorrow morning." At Fort Benning, just after the Korean outbreak and when George knew he was headed that way be said, "I'm not worried about myself, my concern is that I lead my men properly. I do not want to let the men down who will be 
in my platoon."

Further, in his final letter from the Pusan hospital, George wrote, "Fate and God have been good to me so far but how long will my good fortune last? I could have been killed the other night but was hit  slightly in the shoulder and back. I wonder about the next time?" The "Next Time" was a loss to us all. We lost a friend and the Service lost a young officer whose future surely seemed to be bright.

George rests in peace. we know, for he had Faith, accomplished his mission and led his men well. We all join Colonel and Mrs. Tow and George's brothers -Jim (Class of 1952) and Raymond in their sorrow. It should be as source of consolation to his parents and brothers and to his friends that George William Tow, Second Lieutenant, Infantry died in the best traditions of West Point, and that in his sacrifice he has honored his Alma Mater, the Army and his Country, his family and his friends.

Arthur R. Driscoll, Jr
1st Lt. Inf, Class of ‘49
J. Hayes Metzger
1st Lt. Class of ‘49