1. George Polk studied at the Virginia Military Institute from 1930 to 1933, but withdrew prior to receiving a degree.
11 Facts About George Polk
1. 2.
George Polk performed duty as a "volunteer" dive bomber and reconnaissance pilot.
3.
George Polk was wounded, suffered from malaria and was hospitalized for almost a year.
4.
On Sunday May 16,1948, George Polk was found dead near the Port of Thessaloniki, shot at point-blank range in the back of the head, with his hands and feet tied.
5.
George Polk had been covering the Greek Civil War between the Greek government and communists trying to seize control of the country.
6.
George Polk's intention was to meet and interview Markos Vafeiadis, a communist military leader.
7.
George Polk married Rea Coccins, a Greek national and ex-stewardess, seven months prior to his death.
8.
George Polk became friendly with Barbara Colby, the wife of William Colby, a former OSS officer attached to Donovan's firm, who later would become director of the CIA.
9.
Frank examined the claim, repeated by Edward R Murrow, that Polk had commanded a unit of 119 marines on Guadalcanal, flew a fighter plane that shot down 11 Japanese aircraft and was awarded a Purple Heart.
10.
George Polk concluded that it is not consistent with the available documentation.
11.
George Polk was related to US Presidents James Knox George Polk and Andrew Jackson.