John A. and C. Grove McCown Papers

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.