Encyclopedia Dubuque
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MAY, Elmer C.
MAY, Elmer C. Elmer (Dubuque, IA, July 14, 1933--Williamsburg, VA, Jan. 23, 2022). The fourth of five children born to Elmer Conrad May and Melita Mary Carney, was born on July 14, 1933 in Dubuque, Iowa, Elmer graduated with honors from LORAS ACADEMY, in 1951, after competing in football, basketball, and track. He graduated from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa with a Bachelor of Science in 1956 as a two major sport athlete, football and wrestling. He graduated from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa in 1970 with a Master’s Degree and finished his academic career with Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) in 1995 at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.
Elmer served in the United States Army, Field Artillery for thirty years from 1956 to 1986, retiring as a Colonel. He commanded in Germany, Viet Nam, and the United States, mostly in Airborne Units. He also served as a professor at the United States Military Academy, West Point, NY in the Departments of Military Art and Engineering and Department of History from 1967 to 1970, where he authored a textbook, The Art of Ancient Warfare. He finished his military career at the National War College, Fort McNair as a professor in the Department of Military Strategy. He was a Ranger and Master Parachutist.
Elmer received numerous military awards including: Defense Superior Service Medal (DSSM) with One Oak Leaf Cluster; Legion of Merit (LOM) with One Oak Leaf Cluster; Bronze Star Medal (BSM) with One Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Medal (AM) with One Oak Leaf Cluster; Meritorious Service Medal (MSM); Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) with One Oak Leaf Cluster; and the Vietnamese Silver Star (VNSS). He served in Viet Nam twice, 1965-1966 and 1970-1971.
After retiring from active service, he worked with two firms, BDM and RPI where he wrote and executed nuclear and chemical exercises, and was responsible for counter terrorism activities in 120 cities in the United States. While working for Arlington County Fire Department, he wrote the after action report for the airplane that crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11/2001. In retirement at Williamsburg, Virginia he was a member of the Knights of Columbus (K of C), the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), and attended Christopher Wren classes at William and Mary College.
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Source:
Obituaries, Dubuque Today Online.