Association of the United States Army Sixth Region awards

The Major General John A. Hemphill award for outstanding contributions to the Region honors the Sixth Region President that served from 1996 to 2000. A 1951 U.S. Military Academy graduate, General Hemphill distinguished himself by conspicuous heroism in Korea and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, second only to the Medal of Honor among the nation’s awards for valor. General Hemphill’s awards and decorations for valor in Korea and Vietnam as well as for meritorious service worldwide include the Distinguished Service Cross, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Army Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with “V” device and four Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Korea Chung Mu Distinguished Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Army Distinguished Order, and numerous service medals and other foreign decorations.

Retiring from the Army in 1985, General Hemphill and his wife Peggy again became active in AUSA’s Fort Lewis Chapter. In 1990 he became chapter president, rebuilding a moribund chapter and reestablishing AUSA at the Army’s premier West Coast installation.

In 1996, General Hemphill was elected Sixth Region President and ex officio Trustee of the national organization. As Region President, General Hemphill gave his attention to rejuvenating chapters, to major expansion and organization of the Region’s awards program, and to mentoring and coaching current and potential AUSA officers. He created AUSA’s Gem State Chapter, centered on his hometown of Boise. He was the sparkplug for chapter improvements throughout Sixth Region and for fostering development of chapter officers to prepare AUSA’s Far West for the many changes needed for a new century.

In 2008, the Association recognized and honored General Hemphill’s uniquely dedicated and effective service to AUSA, Soldiers, and Families with its General Creighton W. Abrams Medal, presented annually to that member contributing the most to the advancement of the Army. The Abrams Medal is AUSA’s highest internal award recognizing distinguished AUSA members and their accomplishments. Sixth Region is incredibly proud of Major General John A. Hemphill and his contributions to the Army, the Region, and the Association.