Henry E. Emerson

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Henry Emerson

Henry Emerson with Joe DiMaggio at Camp Casey
Nickname	Gunfighter
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
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 ("Hank") Everett 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-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 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 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. 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.

Emerson suffered severe burns after his chopper was shot down in the Mekong Delta. 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.