Lieutenant General Henry E. Emerson, U.S. Army, another of a few who have received more than one award of the Nation’s second highest decoration for extraordinary heroism was first granted the DSC for his exploits on 5 April 1968 while a colonel commanding the 1st Brigade of the 9th Infantry during a reconnaissance-in-force mission in Vietnam. One of his brigade elements came under intense automatic weapons fire when it enter an unmarked mine field. Because of the fire, its advance was halted and the momentum of its attack was imperiled. Upon hearing of this, Colonel Emerson directed his command aircraft to land in the battle area where, completely disregarding his own safety, he took command of the beleaguered element. His presense on the battle field under intense fire quickly inspired his men to redouble their efforts and gain fire superiority over the enemy. After assuring that the insurgents were well under control, he returned to his helicopter and was informed that another battalion was engaging a large insurgent force and was having trouble in determining the exact deployment of the enemy. He directed his craft to fly over the battle area to assess the situation. His ship was flying at a low level, and it was immediately subjected to fierce enemy fire. Using the muzzle flashes to detect the location of the Viet Cong, he ordered his battalion into a position where it could encircle the insurgents and begin their methodical destruction. Observing five Viet Cong fleeing the conflict area, he directed his pilot to land. He immediately leaped from the aircraft, and, using only his pistol, killed one of the enemy and captured another.

LTG. Emerson joined the Legion of Valor in 1975 as a life member. View LTG. Emerson’s Oak Leaf Cluster.