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John A. and C. Grove McCown Papers

 Collection
Identifier: TMD359

Scope and Contents

Includes three manuscripts written by Susan McCown about John and Conrad Grove McCown and their service in the 10th Mountain Division; correspondence from Bob Bates (American Alpine Club) to Andrew McCown (1946); Conrad's discharge papers (1944-1946); photographs of the McCown brothers and family; Ridgway Foust and Charles Webb biographical sketches by Susan McCown; newspaper clipping and photo of Charles Webb and photograph of Foust, John McCown and Norm Wight; William F. Whitehead obituary, portrait and copy of LIFE photograph of John A. McCown, Seneca Rock newspaper clippings. Additionally, John A. McCown's military papers concerning assault and rock climbing training: special orders, schedules, handbook and medical report for Camp Hale, Colo., Seneca Rocks assault climbing school (W. Va.), and the Arnold Valley (Va.) training area.

Dates

  • 1938-2009

Creator

Language of Materials

Material is in English unless otherwise noted.

Conditions Governing Access

Contact Western History/Genealogy Dept., Denver Public Library, Denver, Colorado.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright is retained by the author of the items in this collection, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Biographical / Historical

John Andrew McCown (1918-1945) was born on July 4 in Washington D.C. The eldest of four brothers, John grew up in Philadelphia. He attended Germantown Academy and William Penn Charter School. In 1940, he graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He also attended Law School at the University of Virginia. John McCown joined the 10th Mountain Division in 1942. He attended the Officers Training School, Fort Benning, Georgia and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and was later promoted to 1st Lieutenant. He served as an instructor at the Assault Mountain Climbing School, Elkins, West Virginia. John McCown played a key roll in preparing for the 86th Infantry Regiment’s assault on Riva Ridge and was killed in action during this important battle on February 20, 1945.

Conrad Grove McCown (1921-1974) was born April 19. He also grew up in Philadelphia, attended Germantown Academy, William Penn Charter School and the University of Virginia. C. Grove McCown compiled an impressive record as a champion slalom skier and mountain climber before joining the 10th Mountain Division in 1943. Later, he too attended the Officers Training School, Fort Benning, Georgia and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. While awaiting orders to rejoin the 10th, the war ended in Europe. Accordingly, he was sent to the Pacific where he participated in the occupation of the Philippines and in the post-war disarmament of Japan. He returned to the States to study law and became a lawyer in 1950. Subsequently, he was recalled to duty for the Korean War and discharged as a Captain in 1953.

Andrew R. McCown, Esq. was the father of 1st Lieutenant John A. McCown II, and 2nd Lieutenant C. Grove McCown. He was a prominent corporate lawyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Extent

1 Boxes

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift; Susan McCown; 2007.

General

Catalog record based on preliminary inventory.

Varying Form of Title

McCown, John A. and C. Grove papers

Linking Entry Complexity Note

Forms part of: 10th Mountain Division Resource Center Collection.

General

Formerly cataloged under: C MSS -M1931

Title
John A. and C. Grove McCown Papers
Author
Keli Schmid
Date
November 13, 2020
Description rules
Anglo American Cataloguing Rules
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Denver Public Library, Western History and Genealogy Repository

Contact:
10 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy
Denver CO 80204 United States