The Soldier’s Soldier, A Look at Army General Henry Hugh Shelton from North Carolina
A number of years ago during an event at the Officers Club on Fort Liberty, the emcee used the words “the soldier’s soldier” to describe and introduce United States Army General Henry Hugh Shelton.
For Military trivia fans, what if I said that North Carolina is home to a United States Army General who was once knighted by Queen Elizabeth 2? That is indeed a fact.
If you said the name General Henry “Hugh” Shelton, you would be exactly right. The next time you’re in the vicinity of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina, check out the statue erected and dedicated in General Shelton’s honor.
General Henry “Hugh” Shelton was born in the tiny community of Speed, North Carolina. Speed is in the Eastern part of the Tar Heel state not too far from the town of Tarboro.
After attending college at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Shelton entered the United States Army where he proudly served our nation for 38 years.
Over General Shelton’s many years of service to our country, 16 foreign governments decorated General Shelton. A few of his many awards include (2) United States Army Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Merit, (4) Defense Distinguished Service Medals, the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star medal for Valor.
From 1997 to 2001, General Shelton served as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Chiefs of Staff are the highest-ranking military leaders that serve in the United States Armed Forces.
Now, the first time you see the statue of General Shelton at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in beautiful historic downtown Fayetteville, you may be blown away at its size. The base along with the statue boldly stands at an amazing 16 feet tall and weighs nearly a ton.
Check out General Shelton’s and spend a few hours touring the museum located at 100 Bragg Boulevard in Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301. Admission to the museum is free.
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Today, General Shelton serves as the Director of the Hugh and Carolyn Shelton Military Neurotrauma Foundation located in Washington, DC. The General also serves at the General Hugh Shelton Leadership Center at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.
