John A. Hemphill

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John Allen Hemphill
Born(1927-12-19)19 December 1927
Boise, Idaho U.S.
DiedMay 21, 2021 (aged 93)
Steilacoom, Washington
AllegianceUnited States
Service/branchUnited States Army
Years of service1951–1985
RankMajor General
Commands heldDirector of Operations, United States Readiness Command
3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division
2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment
Company I, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment
Battles/warsKorean War
Vietnam War
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross
Defense Distinguished Service Medal
Army Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star Medal (2)
Defense Superior Service Medal
Legion of Merit (4)
Distinguished Flying Cross (2)
Bronze Star Medal (5)
Purple Heart (3)
Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal (20)

John Allen Hemphill (December 19, 1927 - May 21, 2021) was a major general in the United States Army. He served as Director of Operations (J-3) of the United States Readiness Command. He was a 1951 graduate of the United States Military Academy with a B.S. degree in military science.[1][2][3][4][5]

Hemphill was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on 17 April 1953 near Chorwon, Korea. As commander of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division, he led a counterattack to regain an overrun hill position. Though wounded in both legs, Hemphill charged a machine gun bunker with a rocket launcher and fired his single projectile through the narrow opening from about twenty yards away, killing the occupants. Though later wounded another time, he refused to be evacuated until after the hill had been fully secured.[3] Hemphill also received two Bronze Star Medals and two Purple Hearts for his service during the Korean War.[1]

Hemphill graduated from the Infantry School Advanced Course in 1957, the Air Command and Staff College in 1961 and the Armed Forces Staff College in 1965.[1][6] He later also graduated from the United States Army War College.[2][5]

As a lieutenant colonel in 1966, Hemphill commanded the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) during his first tour in Vietnam. He was awarded another Bronze Star Medal and eleven Air Medals.[1]

As a colonel from 1968 to 1969, Hemphill commanded the 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division during his second tour in Vietnam. He was awarded two Silver Star Medals, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two more Bronze Star Medals, a third Purple Heart and nine more Air Medals.[2][7]

After his death, Hemphill was interred at the West Point Cemetery on August 23, 2021.[8]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d "Class of 1951—Register of Graduates". Official Register of the Officers and Cadets. United States Military Academy. 1969. p. 661. Retrieved 2021-07-23.
  2. ^ a b c "Major General John Allen Hemphill". Army Executive Biographies. Headquarters, Department of the Army. 1985. p. 255. Retrieved 2021-07-23.
  3. ^ a b "John Allen Hemphill". Military Times. Sightline Media Group. Retrieved 2021-07-23.
  4. ^ Renahan, Melissa (3 October 2013). "Maj. Gen. John Hemphill got it done: Big shoes to fill". Northwest Military. Retrieved 2021-07-23.
  5. ^ a b "John Allen Hemphill". New Tacoma Cemeteries, Funeral Home and Crematory. Retrieved 2022-08-27.
  6. ^ U.S. Army Register: United States Army Active and Retired List. Vol. I. U.S. Government Printing Office. January 1, 1966. p. 252. Retrieved 2022-08-27.
  7. ^ "Class of 1951—Register of Graduates". Official Register of the Officers and Cadets. United States Military Academy. 1971. p. 621. Retrieved 2021-08-27.
  8. ^ "Hemphill, John Allen". Army Cemeteries Explorer. U.S. Army. Retrieved 2022-08-27.


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