MILITARY SERVICE (23 March 1892): Lt Orrin R. Grow
Second Lieutenant Orrin R. Grow, the youngest of the commissioned officers of the Utah Batteries when they left this city for the Philippines, was born in the 19th Ward of Salt Lake City, October 20, 1873. As a lad he attended the district schools of this city and later was enrolled at the University of Utah, where he remained for several years. He commenced his military life in 1889, when he joined the Denhalter Rifles as bugler. He was soon promoted to a sergeant's position - then to a Lieutenancy.
On March 23, 1892, when the Denhalters joined the National Guard of Utah in a body, Mr. Grow, then First Lieutenant, was unanimously chosen Captain of the company, which has been known ever since as Company A. Later he was elected Major of the First Battalion, which position he held when war was declared with Spain.
Governor Wells appointed Mr. Grow Second Lieutenant of Battery B. He left with the battery for Manila May 20th, 1898 and remained with that organization until January 13th, 1899, when he sailed for home, because of serious ill health. He arrived home February 21st, 1899.
At that "baptism of fire," as the battle of Malate, July 31, 1899, was called the young Lieutenant won the undying admiration of the men who served under him. No veteran could have commanded the situation with greater coolness and intrepidity. His comrades delight to call him "The hero of Malate." Col. Hawkins, who was in command of the trenches, commended him for gallantry and efficient service.
Received from Dean Grow