| Henry Emerson | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Gunfighter |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1943-1977 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands held | XVIII Airborne Corps 2nd Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross (2) Silver Star (5) Bronze Star (2) Purple Heart (2) |
Lieutenant General Henry Everett "Hank" Emerson, United States Army (Ret.), known as "The Gunfighter," was an American military leader. He is primarily remembered as the commanding officer of the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea in the mid-1970s, in which Colin Powell served as a battalion commander. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, class of 1947.
Where he gained notice was in his controversial methods in fighting in Vietnam. He gained recognition in the Vietnam war for his tactical ability on the battlefield. He conceived aerial reconnaissance and combat methods employed effectively against the Viet Cong, which included "checkerboard tactics," "Jitterbug strikes" and Eagle Flights. He demonstrated that American soldiers could effectively "out-guerilla" the Viet Cong. Emerson also developed the "seal-and-pile-on technique" (the rapid build-up of combat power to surround and destroy an enemy force). These highly complex tactics shattered many large enemy units.
Emerson was known for his somewhat eccentric personality, from his training methods to carrying a cowboy-style six-shooter in place of a regulation M1911 pistol 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. Colin Powell (former US Secretary of State) 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. In many instances when he was the XVIII Airborne Corps commander he would turn in the tag numbers of excessively speeding vehicles. The violator the next morning would be escorted by the company and battalion commanders from his unit and a verbal reprimand would be delivered to him via the brigade commander. Instead of M.P. jeeps you would also lookout for an AMC Pacer having a blue sticker with the number 1.
Emerson suffered severe burns after his chopper was shot down in the Mekong Delta.[1] He had commanded forces during the Vietnam War prior to being stationed in South Korea. He later served as commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg from July 1975 to June 1977.