General Abrams visits Folk Polk

By Rickey Robertson

Since the Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941, Louisiana has been visited by many famous military officers. During the Louisiana Maneuvers men such as George Patton, Mark Clark and Dwight Eisenhower are still well remembered. During the Vietnam War years later, a famous officer came and visited Fort Polk in October, 1966. His name was Creighton “Fighting Abe” Abrams.

Creighton Abrams was born September 15, 1914, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and graduated in 1936. One of his classmates was William C. Westmoreland. Upon graduating the military academy Lt. Abrams was assigned to the U.S. Cavalry. After serving in the cavalry, with the rank of captain, he was transferred into the newly formed 1st Armored Division in 1940. The 1st Armored trained continuously in armored tactics. During World War II Major Abrams commanded the 37th Tank Battalion of the 4th Armored Division .

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