John Vaughn Hemler

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose A. "Andy" Chacon on September 29, 2010:

John Vaughn Hemler, Jr. Born July 6, 1929 -- Died September 25, 2010 John Vaughn "Red" Hemler, Jr. was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico on 6 July 1929. Congresswoman Georgia Lusk appointed him to West Point. His classmates observed: "Red's cheerful smile and manner won him many friends. His good nature, enthusiasm, and helping hand have served many of his classmates in good stead when difficulties have arisen. Without a doubt, his only worry has been a fast way to get to Long Island. In whatever way John chooses to spend his life, his ideals and clear thinking will lead him to great success." Upon graduation, Red went in the Air Defense Artillery. He was married to Marjorie June Ericksen on 6 June 1951 at the West Point Cadet Chapel. Red reported to Fort Bliss, Texas, in July 1951 and completed the ADA Basic Officers Course. Then, his entire class was assigned as platoon tactical officers and instructors to the Officers Candidate School that was being organized at Fort Bliss. When his OCS platoon graduated in June 1952, Red was assigned to Germany, where he reported to C Battery, 107th Field Artillery Battalion, 28th Infantry Division. Red and his family, daughter Kathy having been born in Stuttgart in August 1954, returned to the States in July 1955. In July 1957, Red reported to Fort Sill as a student in the Artillery Advanced Course and upon graduation in June 1958 was assigned as a student to the University of Arizona where he obtained two Master of Science degrees, one in Nuclear Engineering and one in Nuclear Physics in 1960. Son, John Russell was born in August 1958 while Red was busy earning the two degrees. He was then assigned to the Army Combat Development Command, Artillery Division where he served from 1960 to 1963 as the "Nuke Physicist." Red's next tour of duty was to Headquarters, 8th Army in Korea where he served from 1964 to 1965. Returning from Korea, Red attended the CGSC, Fort Leavenworth, KS in 1964 and then was assigned to Headquarters, Defense Atomic Support Agency at the Pentagon where he served first as project officer and later as Executive Officer to the Deputy Director for Science and Technology. His work was in underground nuclear testing and other nuclear projects. He was next named Battalion Commander with the 83rd Field Artillery, Europe where he served to 1970. Red attended the AWC, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania in 1971. He was then appointed Director of Operations, Military Assistance Command Vietnam, Training Command, where he served from 1971 to 1972. His next tour was as Commander, Forces Armee Nationale, Khymer Training Command, headquartered in Bien Hoa in 1972. On return to stateside Red went to the Office, Director of Defense Research and Engineering from 1973 to. From there he went to the Office, Assistant Secretary of Defense, International Security Affairs where he served heading up the US Delegation to NATO Nuclear Task Force examining future nuclear doctrine and technical developments for NATO and Foreign and Defense Ministers from 1975 to 1976. Red's last military assignment was to Field Command, Defense Nuclear Agency from 1976 to 1979 at Kirtland AFB, NM. Red retired in 1979 with rank of Colonel. Among his decorations are; the Defense Superior Service Medal, four Legion of Merit awards, the Bronze Star Medal for valor, and the VNAF Distinguished Service Medal. On retirement, he took a position as Director, Project Development with the BDM Corporation in 1979. He was named Assistant to the Vice President in 1981 and remained as a Consultant from 1985 to 1990. John has been active in politics and served as Chairman, Bernalillo County Republican Party from 1985 to 1987. Red and his wife Marjorie made their home in Albuquerque, New Mexico until her death in 2007. The children and five grandchildren live in Phoenix, AZ and Red had moved to be near them just months ago. (9/29/2000)

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