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John A. Hemphill

1927 – 2021

United States Army general

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About John A. Hemphill

Lived 1927 – 2021 (aged 93). John A. Hemphill was an American military officer.

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.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
United States Military Academy, Air Command and Staff College, Joint Forces Staff College, United States Army War College
Awards
Air Medal; Bronze Star Medal; Defense Distinguished Service Medal; Defense Superior Service Medal; Distinguished Flying Cross (United States); Distinguished Service Cross (United States); Distinguished Service Medal (U.S. Army); Legion of Merit; Meritorious Service Medal (United States); Purple Heart; Silver Star
Also known as
John Allen Hemphill

People in John A. Hemphill's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John A. Hemphill's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John A. Hemphill?

United States Army general

When was John A. Hemphill born?

John A. Hemphill was born on 19 December 1927 in Boise.

When did John A. Hemphill die?

John A. Hemphill died on 21 May 2021 in Steilacoom.

What was John A. Hemphill's occupation?

John A. Hemphill was a military officer.

What nationality was John A. Hemphill?

John A. Hemphill was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John A. Hemphill

· Wikidata: Q81787673

· DBpedia: John A. Hemphill

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John A. Hemphill. https://biography.guide/john-a-hemphill/

MLA: "John A. Hemphill." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-a-hemphill/.

Chicago: "John A. Hemphill." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-a-hemphill/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-21 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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