Texas Military Forces
Hall of Honor

Elmer L. Stephens

Major General Elmer Lewis Stephens was born on Stephens Ranch, Concho County, Texas. He joined the 131st Field Artillery, Texas Army National Guard, in 1951 while enrolled in college. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant, Armored Infantry in September 1953, on completion of Officer Candidate School at Fort Riley, Kansas. General Stephens entered active duty and served with the 5th Armored Division and the 22d Infantry Regiment. On returning to the Texas National Guard in March 1957 he was assigned as Aide to the Commanding General and later as Assistant Operations Officer, 36th Infantry Division before the Texas Army National Guard was reorganized in 1968.

In 1970 he took command of the 2d Battalion, 112th Armor, 49th Armor Group. Subsequently he became Task Force Commander of the 144th Rear Area Operations Support Center on 14 November 1972. Upon reorganization of the Texas Army National Guard on Nov. 1, 1973, he was assigned as Commander, 2d Brigade, and 49th Armored Division and later he commanded the Division's 3d Brigade. He received his federal recognition as brigadier general on Dec. 1, 1978, while Deputy Commander, Base Units Command. On Nov. 1, 1979, he became Assistant Division Commander-Support, 49th Armored Division. He was appointed Director, State Area Command and extended federal recognition as major general on Dec. 14, 1981. On Nov. 1, 1982, General Stephens assumed command of the 49th Armored Division. Major General Stephens retired from command of the 49th Armored Division on Dec. 1, 1984.

In addition to his illustrious Guard career, Major General Stephens also serves as a respected community leader. He is active in the Dallas Forum, The Armor Association, 5th Armored Division Association, Military Order of World Wars, National Guard Association of Texas, National Guard Association of the United States, and Fort Concho Historical Society and the U.S. Cavalry Association among others. He served as a Principal member of the Army Reserve Forces Policy Committee.

Major General Stephens' decorations include the Army Distinguished Service Medal, Army Legion of Merit Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, Texas Medal of Merit, and Parachutist Badge. General Stephens has been recognized by the Armor Branch with the Order of St. George in Gold. He is the recipient of the National Guard Association Minuteman Award.
 

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