General William E. Cole and I entered West Point together, on June 15, 1894. We were both from the far West, he from Utah, I from Oregon. Because our names were high on the alphabetical list of the class, we were, from the first, thrown much together.

We at once formed a close friendship which lasted as long as he lived. Not only were we close together in class standing, but, both being used to mountains and both loving the outdoors, we often climbed “Crows’ Nest”, a mountain rising about one thousand feet above West Point. We were two of the few who roamed the mountains.

Cole was a man of few words, always courteous and kindly. As well as I knew him I never heard him say a harsh word about any one. Yet he was a man of strong convictions, and clean, sterling character. I always respected him and loved him almost as a brother.

He made friends and kept them. He was not well for quite a long time but I never heard a word of complaint from him. Our Army service was never together, but I kept pretty good track of his service and counted him as one of the ablest and most successful of the class of fifty-nine members. His passing leaves a real void in the close friendships formed by four years of sustained effort at West Point.

I have treasured in my memory many happy hours spent in Cole’s company.

—Amos A. Fries, Major General, USA, Retired, Class of 1898