Tom Emerson

First Lieutenant Tom Emerson, US Army, was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, on 3 March 1944. His family moved to Oklahoma City when he was 10 years old. An excellent student with natural leadership qualities, he was athletic and popular with his classmates. He credits his German teacher, retired Colonel Virgil Caldwell, with influencing his interest in the U.S. Military Academy. After graduating from Northwest Classen High School in 1962, he attended the University of Oklahoma for one year awaiting a Congressional appointment to the U.S. Military Academy in 1963. Upon graduation in 1967, he completed the Army Ranger School and the Armor Officer Basic Course.

Emerson was deployed to Vietnam in September 1968 and joined Troop A, 3rd/5th Cavalry "Black Knights." A few days before his 25th birthday, Emerson wrote to Colonel Caldwell, "I am finally getting to do what I was trained to do." He was also offered to be a general's aide… he chose to stay with his men. On 24 March 1969, his unit was on a reconnaissance mission in Quang Tri Province when they became heavily engaged with a large enemy force. Emerson courageously led his men in an assault on the enemy position. Maneuvering through intense enemy fire, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to direct his men and to personally fire on the enemy. He was severely wounded during the assault, but continued to lead his men until the enemy was forced to retreat. He died later on the battlefield at age 25. Emerson's extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force resulted in the award of the Silver Star Medal. He was also awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and Purple Heart Medal.

Lieutenant Emerson was known by his classmates and fellow soldiers for his leadership, strength of character, and dependability. After funeral services in Oklahoma City, he was buried at the West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY.