Lt. General Everett S. Simpson

EVERETT SELDEN SIMPSON

142nd Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division, Nov 1940–Dec 1945 (WWII)
36th Infantry Division Commander, Sep 1961–Jan 1969

A Book Depicting NMMI Military Heroes Pays Tribute to Simpson

Military Heroes of New Mexico Military Institute, by LTC Joseph D. Posz, USA (Ret) 1955 SCG, was printed by NMMI for the Corps of Cadets and is available for sale for $12.50 a copy. You can purchase your copy through the NMMI Alumni Association Web Site at www.nmmialumni.org, or through the Alumni Office. With permission of the author, we are pleased to present these heroic alumni as a series.

Everett S. Simpson graduated from Amarillo (Texas) High School and entered NMMI in 1932. His interests included wrestling and tumbling. During his two years at NMMI, he stood in the upper academic quarter of his class, and received no demerits. Simpson planned a career for himself in the U. S. Army, to follow the footsteps of his father, and to continue a family tradition by attending the United States Military Academy. He graduated from the junior college division of NMMI in 1934.

Lieutenant Everett Selden Simpson circa 1940 - 1941 Simpson's stay at West Point was terminated on 10 January 1935, due to his deficiency in mathematics. Transferring to the University of Texas, he obtained a B. A. degree on 31 August 1936. Simpson went on to the University of Colorado Law School where he received his degree in 1940.

His brief practice of law ended when the Texas National Guard was federalized. He was commissioned a second lieutenant on 16 November 1940, and mobilized with Company F, 142nd Infantry, 36th Texas Division, on 25 November 1940.

Simpson's father, Colonel Ethan Allen Simpson, had served as a machinegun company commander in the 142nd Infantry, 36th Texas Division in France during WWI. When Simpson, then a captain, embarked for North Africa in 1943, his father wrote the following letter of advice:

"Remember the men you command, so long as you are in service, are your real responsibility. They deserve your love and attention. Give it to them wholeheartedly.

Be faithful, be steadfast, be courageous, be attentive to all details. Be loyal unto death to your fellow officers and the men under you, to your superiors, and never falter no matter how great the danger. It is not a sign of fear to appreciate danger.

If it is necessary for you to die in the faithful performance, the courageous performance of your duty, then you must not flinch. You must remember that this country of ours and its people and its institutions are worth dying for a thousand times.

I feel, somehow sublimely certain that you are coming back, but I don't want you to come back if, in order to do so, you have to shirk the faithful, complete, courageous performance of any task that duty puts upon you, no matter how dangerous it is."

Simpson served successively as platoon leader, company commander, and regimental intelligence officer in the 142nd Infantry. The regiment, along with the 141st Infantry, led the division's invasion of Italy on 9 September 1943, at Salerno. Later, the division landed in the Anzio perimeter on 22 May 1944.

Participating in the invasion of Southern France as executive officer of the 3rd Battalion, 142nd Infantry, Major Simpson assumed command of the battalion when the commander was wounded. The battalion was later ordered to occupy the town of Remiremont in order to protect a crossing over the Moselle River.

On 28 September 1944, during an attack on Hill 630 in the vicinity of Remiremont, the leading elements of the 3rd Battalion were subjected to intense enemy fire from both flanks. Simpson, who was with the leading assault platoon, immediately ordered the establishment of a command post and aid station and pressed forward with his companies. In the face of increasing hostile fire, he established a defensive position and moved from company to company in order to point out their positions and sectors of fire. While he was advancing across the fire-swept area, he was seriously wounded by an exploding mortar shell. Despite his severe wound, he refused to be evacuated by litter so that the other wounded men could be removed more promptly. While two aid men were assisting him to the battalion aid station, Simpson shouted orders and encouraged the soldiers he passed to push forward. Even at the aid station his first thoughts were of his men and, while his painful wound was being dressed, he issued instructions concerning plans for the forthcoming attack. For his actions on that day, Simpson was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

On 12 January 1945, Lieutenant Colonel Simpson returned from the hospital to regain command of the 3rd Battalion. One month later, on 12 February 1945, in an effort to clear the Gambsheim pocket, the battalion was attacking through the Drusenheim woods. When communications with Company I proved inadequate for the rapidly changing situation, Simpson went forward to direct the attack.

Accompanied by a runner and a radio operator, he crossed the river under enemy observation and direct fire from self-propelled guns. Disregarding the intense fire, he crossed a thousand yards of open field to enter the town of Drusenheim. Having issued orders to continue the attack, he moved under sniper fire to the forward elements to encourage them and direct their firepower. When he had ensured himself that the attack was progressing satisfactorily, he returned by the same hazardous route. For his courageous and aggressive leadership, he was awarded the Silver Star.

Simpson's habit of leading attacks with his assault elements was repeated during the period of 15-24 March 1945. On 20 March, the battalion conducted an attack on a strongly fortified hill in the Siegfried Line defenses. Simpson led his men through barbed wire entanglements and across minefields to attack and seize an enemy-held town. As a result of Simpson's brilliant personal leadership in the face of heavy small arms fire, 45 Lietenant Colonel Everett Selden Simpson circa 1945 - 1946 Germans were captured, 57 were killed, and the remainder of the enemy was forced to flee. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his outstanding intrepidity, fortitude and aggressiveness, which was a source of great inspiration to all members of his command.

After WWII, Simpson was discharged from active duty on 31 March 1945. He resumed the practice of law in Amarillo, TX, with the firm of Simpson, Clayton, and Fullingim. He remained a member of the Texas National Guard, was promoted to major general in 1961, and assigned the commander of the peacetime 36th Division. In 1973, upon his retirement from the National Guard, the grateful state of Texas awarded him with the federally recognized rank of lieutenant general.

Among other decorations, Simpson has been awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the French Croix de Guerre with Red Star.

“Note. In an ironic twist of fate, Simpson's heroism on the Moselle was less than 90 miles from a similar action on the Aisne River in October 1918 where his father; then Captain Ethan A. Simpson, a member of the 142nd Infantry, 36 Division, distinguished himself in an amazingly similar manner: Ethan Simpson was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. His citation reads: For extraordinary heroism in action east of St. Etienne-a-Arnes, France, while leading his company during the attack on the morning of 8 October 1918. Captain Simpson was severely wounded, but refused to be evacuated until his senior lieutenant had been sent to him, so that he could explain the tactical situation and turn over the command of his company. Although suffering intense pain, Captain Simpson endeavored to conceal the seriousness of his wounds, thereby displaying extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, which was an inspiration to the men of his company."

Reprinted by permission, New Mexico Military Alumni Association, The Sally Port, September/ October, 1999, pp 14–15. Photos and commentary courtesy COL (Ret) Pat W. Simpson and the 36th Infantry Division National Museum Foundation (36th Division Gallery).

In Memoriam . . .

Simpson passed away at the age of 84 on 25 August 1999, in Amarillo, TX. In addition to all of Simpson's military honors, he was a well-respected and dedicated member of the community. He was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church; a member and past president of the American Legion Hanson Post No. 54, Association of the United States Army; a life member of the Military Order of the World Wars; the Retired Officer's Association; the Veterans of Foreign Wars; a life member of the National Guard Association of Texas; and a life member of the National Guard Association of the United States. He was a former director and secretary of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce, and served with the United Way in the 1950's. He was past president of the Amarillo Tri-State Fair Association, former director of the Potter-Randall County Child Welfare Society, and a past chairman and director of the Greater Amarillo Chapter of the American National Red Cross.

Simpson was inducted into the NMMI Alumni Hall of Fame in 1994 for Flag Rank.

A statement released by the law firm of Gibson, Ochsner, and Adkins, where Simpson practiced until his retirement in 1992, said he "served as a mentor and teacher for many in the practice of law. His extensive community service was an example to all of us. He and his war stories will be sorely missed."

Survivors include his wife, Carlie B. Simpson; a son, COL Pat W. Simpson of Austin; a daughter, Reesie Miller of Longview; five stepsons: Romie Carpenter, John McKnight, Hugh McKnight, Phillip Umphres, Joe Umphres; a stepdaughter, Melody Goff; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Comments by Colonel (Retired) Pat W. Simpson:

For the record, my grandfather’s name was frequently misstated as Ethan “Allen” Simpson. His correct middle name is “Albion”.

The rank of Lieutenant General was given my father by the State of Texas and is not federally recognized; therefore, the proper term is Lieutenant General (Brevet) Everett Selden Simpson.

All information that I have regarding the French Croix DeGuerre that my father was awarded refers to the French Croix DeGuerre with Star. I am not familiar with the FCD with “Red” Star.

As recorded on 12 July 1971, the decorations and awards received by Everett Selden Simpson are:

Distinguished Service Cross; Silver Star; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star w/ V Device; Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster; American Defense Service Medal; American Campaign; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal w/ 5 Bronze Stars and Arrowhead; WWII Victory Medal; German Army of Occupation Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/ 2 Devices; Combat Infantryman’s Badge; French Croix DeGuerre w/ Star.

State Awards: Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal; Texas Medal of Merit; Texas Federal Service Medal; Texas Faithful Service Medal w/ 1 Silver Cactus.

Everett Selden Simpson received two battlefield promotions:

Promoted to Major- 18 Mar 1944
Promoted to LTC - 21 Dec 1944

Addendum: From the 4 February 1945 isssue of The T-Patch, the 36th Infantry Division's weekly newspaper.

Distinguished Service Cross Awarded To Lt. Col. Simpson

Adding to the division's long list of DSC awards, is the recent orders awarding the “Nation's Second Highest" to Lt. Col. (then Major) Everett S. Simpson of Amarillo, Texas, of the 142nd Infantry, for extraordinary heroism in action.

During an attack on hill "630" on 28 September 1944, near Remiremont, France, the leading elements of the 3rd Battalion were subjected to intense enemy fire from both sides.

Lt. Col. Simpson, who was with the leading assault platoon, immediately ordered the establishment of a command post and aid station, then pressed forward with his companies.

In face of hostile fire, he then set up a defensive position and moved from company to company to point out their positions and sectors of fire.

While he advanced across the fire swept area, he was seriously wounded by an exploding mortar shell. Despite of his severe wound he refused to be evacuated by the littermen so that the other wounded men could be removed more promptly.

While two aid men were assisting him to the battalion aid station, Lt. Col. Simpson shouted orders to the soldiers as he passed, encouraging them to push forward.

Even at the aid station his first thoughts were for his men, and, while his painful wound was being dressed, he issued instructions concerning plans for a forthcoming attack.

His extraordinary heroism exemplifies the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of the United States.