Major General (then First Lieutenant) John A. Hemphill, 064015, Infantry, United States Army. Lieutenant Hemphill, a member of an infantry company, distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy in the vicinity of Chorwon, Korea. On 17 April 1953, Lieutenant Hemphill, a company commander, led a spirited counterattack in an effort to retake a vital hill position which had been overrun by hostile troops. Though wounded in both legs, Lieutenant Hemphill held the lead of the company until it was pinned down by accurate and deadly fire from an enemy machine gun. Realizing the consequences of a stalemate at that point in the action, Lieutenant Hemphill picked up a 3.5 rocket launcher and, disregarding all thoughts of personal safety, charged the machine gun bunker. When he was approximately twenty yards from the position, Lieutenant Hemphill fired his only round ammunition through the aperture, scoring a direct hit and annihilating the occupants. Upon reaching the crest of the hill, Lieutenant Hemphill was again wounded but, refusing evacuation, he moved from bunker to bunker directing the repulse of the remaining hostile troops. It was only after the hill was secured and the reorganization almost complete that Lieutenant Hemphill consented to the evacuation. The extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Hemphill on this occasion reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service. Entered the Federal service from Idaho.

MG Hemphill joined the L.O.V. in 1978 and resides in Washington State.