101st Airborne Presentation Swagger Stick LTC Hank "GUNFIGHTER" Emerson

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101st Airborne Presentation Swagger Stick to LTC Hank "GUNFIGHTER" Emerson

 

An extraordinary fighting man and a great combat leader...2 DSCs

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_E._Emerson

 

Emerson gained recognition during the Vietnam War for his tactical ability on the battlefield. His tactics, as a commander were novel.^[3] He conceived aerial reconnaissance and combat methods that were employed effectively against the Viet Cong. These included a checkerboard concept that involves small groups covering grid squares to seek out an enemy, jitterbug tactics which are complex maneuvers using helicopters to surround an enemy. To the unitiated this would seem jittery like the dance, and Eagle Flights which were helicopters loaded with local soldiers and flown in quickly to assist foreign troops in certain situations.^[4][5] He demonstrated that American soldiers could effectively "out-guerrilla" 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 in 1975, with his non-standard six-shooter revolver.

Emerson was known for his somewhat eccentric personality, from his training methods to carrying a cowboy-style revolver in place of a regulation M1911 semi-automatic pistol. He was a believer in reverse-cycle training, during which troops trained at night and slept during the day.^{[citation needed]} He also required that they watch the television film Brian's Song, to promote racial harmony. Colin Powell, who would later go on to become the U.S. 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 next morning, the violator(s) would be escorted by the company and battalion commanders from their unit and a verbal reprimand would be delivered by the brigade commander.

Emerson suffered severe burns after his helicopter was shot down in the Mekong Delta.^[6] He had commanded forces during the Vietnam War prior to being stationed in South Korea.^[3] He later served as commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, from July 1975 to June 1977. He died at the age of 89 on February 4, 2015.^[7]

 

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[12A54]

Great piece. He was a legend.

[268th C.A.]

Very nice! Great pick up.

[Wake1941]

That is one heck of a swagger stick, hardly ever find these anymore

[Ronnie]

Man you pick up the neatest stuff!

Ronnie

[1SG_1st_Cav]

Beautiful piece for a great leader!

[skypilot6670]

Beautiful and a great history. Thanks Mike

[lovmilinsig]

Congrats on a great find! Very cool.

 

Ed

[snake36bravo]

I love the item but I love the history behind the item even more. Great post. I served with a Captain like him. Nothing like seeing your CO on top of a charging M113 APC leading his soldiers on. The man had swagger.