Henry "Gunfighter" Emerson

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Henry Emerson

Henry Emerson with Joe DiMaggio at Camp Casey
Nickname	Gunfighter
Allegiance	U.S. Army
Rank	Lieutenant General
Commands	XVIII Airborne Corps 2nd Infantry Division
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Distinguished Service Cross (2) Silver Star (5) Purple Heart (2) Bronze Star (2)

Lieutenant General Henry Everett "Gunfighter" Emerson, United States Army (Ret.), was an American military leader. He is primarily remembered as the commanding officer of the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea in the mid-1970's, in which Colin Powell served as a battalion commander.

Where he gained notice was in his controversial methods in fighting in Vietnam. He gained recognition in the Korean war for his tactical ability on the battlefield. He conceived the methods employed so effectively against the Viet Cong called "the checkerboard" and "Jitterbug." He demostrated that American soldiers could effectively "out geurrilla" the Viet Cong.

Emerson and his non-standard six-shooter

Emerson was known for his somewhat eccentric personality, from his training methods to carrying a cowboy-style six-shooter in place of a regulation Colt .45 semi-automatic pistol. For example, he insisted his troops train only at night and made them repeatedly watch the television film Brian's Song to promote racial harmony. Powell has stated that they were very close and that what set Emerson apart was his great love of his soldiers and concern for their welfare.

Emerson had commanded forces during the Vietnam War prior to be stationed in South Korea. He later served as commander of the U.S. XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg from July 1975 to June 1977.