Frank Morrow Pool
Captain, U.S. Army

Frank Morrow Pool was awarded a degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1941 from Texas A&M where he was recognized as a distinguished student and was a member of the Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets. After graduation and a short stint with Humble Oil, he was called to active duty in the U.S. Army as World War II began. As a Platoon Leader of a tank company in the First Armored Division, Pool fought in North Africa against the Germans and General Rommel. In 1943, he returned to the U.S. with his commander, General Lunsford Oliver, to help in the reorganization of the U.S. Armored Divisions. In 1944, now-Captain Pool returned to Europe as Commander of a Tank Company with 400 men and 44 tanks. His Company, along with hundreds of others, began the long, movement across France toward Germany.

In March 1945, Captain Pool's tank company was serving with the 10th Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division, Ninth U.S. Army in the European Theater of Operations.

From 3-5 March, CPT Pool’s unit was in action against German forces in Germany. Exposing himself to all types of German fire, CPT Pool, riding in the leading vehicle, directed the attack of his tank company which swiftly advanced 9 miles and overran 6 villages. During this action, CPT Pool personally killed a large number of the enemy. While again riding in the lead tank on 5 March, CPT Pool led his men in a fight that culminated in the capture of a German town and cut the enemy's last escape route across the Rhine River in that sector. CPT Pool’s leadership, courageous actions and extraordinary heroism during that time earned him the U.S. Army's second highest award for valor, the Distinguished Service Cross.

Medals and Awards

Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal (Merit)
Purple Heart with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
American Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Silver Star
World War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross Citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Armor) Frank Morrow Pool (ASN: 0-394513), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 10th Tank Battalion, 5th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces from 3 to 5 March 1945, in Germany. Exposing himself to all types of enemy fire, Captain Pool, riding in the leading vehicle, directed the attack of his tank company which swiftly advanced nine miles and overran six villages. In this action, he personally killed a large number of the enemy. Again riding in the leading tank on 5 March 1945, he led his men in a bitter fight which culminated in the capture of an enemy town and cut the enemy's last escape route in that sector across the Rhine River. Captain Pool's gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Armored Division, and the United States Army.

Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army, General Orders No. 197 (1945)

Death and Burial

Captain Frank Morrow Pool died on 12 January 2017 at San Angelo, TX. He is buried at Fairmount Cemetery in San Angelo, Tom Green County, TX.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/175301849/frank-morrow-pool