Tomahawk III. [Conclusion]

This is coolbert:

Again, from the comment [regarding the "hatchet" incident] of an anonymous reader to the blog:

"First, it was not a General, it was a full bird Colonel . . . Also, the career of the "General" (really a Colonel at the time) was not over by a long shot. He spent another tour in Vietnam (66-67), later commanded a unit in Korea (2nd ID I think), and also commanded the 82nd Abn Div and RETIRED at the rank of Lt. General. His tactics are still taught and used to this day."

From this description I am able to infer with a high degree of certainty that this is Hank Emerson.

Career officer, West Point grad [class of 1947] known as the "Gunfighter".

A highly respected [renowned!] combat commander. Mentioned in the same breath as David Hackworth, Harry Summers, Anthony Herbert.

The career of Hank Emerson DID NOT end with Vietnam. Emerson did command:

* "the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea in the mid-1970's"

* "He later served as commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg"

Was also a Special Forces officer. Saw combat in both Korea and Vietnam. Noted for innovative combat techniques and tactics.

"gained recognition in the Korean war for his tactical ability on the battlefield. He conceived the methods employed so effectively against the Viet Cong called 'the checkerboard' and 'Jitterbug.'"

Also noted for his eccentric personality:

* "carrying a cowboy-style six-shooter in place of a regulation Colt .45 semi-automatic pistol." [the "Gunfighter"]

[this would have classified as an "unauthorized" weapon. Recall what I said about deploying overseas through Oakland Army Terminal [OART]. All firearms and edged weapons were confiscated. Having such in your possession was a courts martial offense.]

* "he insisted his troops train only at night"

* "made them [the troops under his command] repeatedly watch the television film Brian's Song to promote racial harmony."

["Brian's Song" of course is the movie dealing with the friendship between Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers of the Chicago Bears. One white man and one black man in the same backfield, both as rookies. Had an unusual close relationship, Piccolo suffering from terminal cancer and dying in his prime!! GALE SAYERS TO THIS DAY VISITS U.S. TROOPS ALL OVER THE WORLD, GIVING MOTIVATIONAL SPEECHES PROMOTING HARMONY AND HOW TEAMWORK CAN LEAD TO SUCCESS!!]

NOW, FOR THE HARD PART. Here is an excerpt from the Ranger Against War blog: "[Hank Emerson] came out as gay following his much decorated service in the U.S. military. Would we be any the better for having lost a fine soldier as Hank Emerson because of his sexual orientation?"

More correctly too it can be stated that Colonel Aaron Banks was the "father" of the Special Forces. What role Emerson played I cannot say. As to the allegation of "being gay", I cannot confirm or deny!!

"No person can command a nuclear equipped unit if even the appearance of wrong-doing exists, even if totally unfounded!!"

[I would have to assume that when the XVIII Airborne Corps would deploy into combat, it would carry nuclear artillery rounds as part of the common load?? XVIII Airborne, at that exact moment, becomes a nuclear equipped unit??!!]

Am I being too harsh here!!?? I am at a loss!!

coolbert.