John A. Hemphill

John Allen Hemphill (December 19, 1927 - May 21, 2021) was a major general in the United States Army. He served as Director of Operations (J-3) of the United States Readiness Command. He was a 1951 graduate of the United States Military Academy with a B.S. degree in military science.

Hemphill was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions on 17 April 1953 near Chorwon, Korea. As commander of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division, he led a counterattack to regain an overrun hill position. Though wounded in both legs, Hemphill charged a machine gun bunker with a rocket launcher and fired his single projectile through the narrow opening from about twenty yards away, killing the occupants. Though later wounded another time, he refused to be evacuated until after the hill had been fully secured. He later also graduated from the United States Army War College.

After his death, Hemphill was interred at the West Point Cemetery on August 23, 2021.