After serving 26 years in the United States Army and traveling all around the world, so to speak, and visiting 16 different foreign countries both work-related and for R&R, as well as traveling to and thru 40 or more of the States in the United States to include Hawaii and Alaska, I decided it was time to hang up my guns and retire.
My last job assignment in the Army was at Fort Ord, CA (February 1990 until May 1991) as Senior Career Counselor (00R50) for Headquarters, 1st Aviation Brigade.
During the last year of my long Army career and after submitting for retirement, I worked part-time at a local Radio Shack in Marina, CA outside of Fort Ord. At the end of May 1991, after my retirement ceremony, buying a new truck, and loading up my worldy goods, I left Fort Ord around 4 a.m. on a Friday morning loaded with bottles of water and snacks in an Ice Chest, a Thermos of Coffee on the front seat, a pack of No-Doze Tables, the Pacific Ocean and California in my rear-view mirrow. I headed East towards Hampton Roads and the warm beaches on the Alantic Ocean side of Virginia. (Here's the crazy part) With only a few days rest along the way while visiting family members in Indiana and Ohio, I made the coast to coast journey in less than a week (Never again!).
After retiring from the Army in May of 1991 and moving back to Virginia, I again worked part-time at a Radio Shack located in the Hampton Mall in Hampton Roads, VA. After about nineteen months in Virginia and getting a good Tan, I got homesick for Tennessee, so in February 1993, I moved from Virginia to Gatlinburg, TN, (Closer to home) and lived and worked for about six months for a Chalet Company, making Reservations. Around June 1993, I moved from Gatlinburg to Cookeville, TN, and worked part-time at a Walmart store, then enrolled in, and graduated from, an Architectural Drafting School in Livingston TN and then moved to Dale Hollow Lake in Pickett County TN where for about ten years I ran my own Professional Photography business and also worked part-time at a local Funeral Home.
In 2004, my wife and I moved back to Scott County Tennessee where I was born and raised, and for two or three years I worked part-time for FOUR OAKS FUNERAL HOME before finally retiring for good.
Awarded for distinguished actions in combat (valor)
Year Awarded 1969
Last Updated: Oct 8, 2015
This ribbon will display Multiple Award devices automatically based on the total number of awards listed
Details Behind Award
First Award of the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM): While assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB), 1st Battalion, 92nd Field Artillery located at DAK TO, Central Highlands, South Vietnam.
Award of Army Commendation Medal with V-Device for Heroism Republic of South Vietnam
Private First Class Elmer R. Austin distinguished himself by exceptional heroism in the Republic of Vietnam on 12 May 1969, while serving in the Communications Section with the 1st Battalion, 92nd Artillery located at DAK TO. On that date, DAK TO experienced numerous attacks from hostile enemy rockets, mortars, and recoilless rifles. As the rounds from the enemy weapons began to impact in the area, Private Austin voluntarily exposed himself to the enemy in order to observe their firing positions. Without regard for his personal safety, he left the relative security of the communications bunker and while moving under fire, he made his way to an observation post. His accurate observation of the flashes from the enemy weapons enabled him to report the azimuths from which the enemy fires were coming. Although not trained as an artillery observer, Private Austin performed the duties as an observer with exceptional professionalism while under fire. He was instrumental in calling in and directing medium artillery fire and destroying the enemy weapons thereby saving the lives of himself, and his fellow soldiers. He remained at his position until the Fire Mission was completed. Private Austin courage, fortitude, and complete disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Military Service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.