20 Oct 2003
CPL George Antonitis was a member of my platoon while I was assigned as Platoon Sergeant, 188th Military Police Company during 1967. I remember George for his big smile he always had for everyone. He was a dedicated soldier, loving husband and a friend to all those he came into contact with.
One evening during the summer of 1967, George and a few others from my platoon and myself, went to downtown Saigon to enjoy a relaxing time away from the 12 hour shifts we worked every day, 7 days per week. I became well acquainted with George, and was extremely proud and honored to have this great man in my unit. He was looking forward going on R&R to Hawaii and meeting his wife for a 5 day vacation.
George was informed that he was being assigned to a ammunition barge site for security duty, which required him to relocate some miles from our company headquarters. He asked me to plead his case to the Company Commander to allow him to remain at his present assignment. I did so, however I lost my request, and George was sent to the barge site. A short time later I was transferred to another unit into a higher job position. On 3 Dec 67, George was inspecting a barge,which had been tampered with the previous night. As he jumped from one barge to another, he slipped and fell into the river below. His fellow MP tried unsuccessfully to rescue George, and his body was recovered a few days later. I was heartbroken when I heard of his death, and I still feel his loss 36 years later. George was a great American, and I'm sure his is still wearing that big smile in heaven.
Corporal George Antonitis
is remembered by the men of the
188th MP Company
The photo is taken from that site.
