Emmett Paige Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emmett Paige Jr.
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| Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence | |
| In office 10 June 1993 – 23 May 1997 |
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| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Duane P. Andrews |
| Succeeded by | Arthur L. Money |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 20 February 1931 Jacksonville, Florida |
| Died | 31 August 2017 (aged 86) Fort Washington, Maryland |
| Education |
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| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1947–1988 |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Commands | Army Information Systems Command Army Electronics Research and Development Command Army Communications Research and Development Command 11th Signal Group 361st Signal Battalion |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Medal (2) Legion of Merit (3) Bronze Star Medal Meritorious Service Medal |
Emmett Paige Jr. (born February 20, 1931 – died August 31, 2017) was an important leader in the United States Army and later for the U.S. government. He worked for 41 years in the military, becoming a high-ranking officer called a lieutenant general. After retiring from the Army, he served as a special assistant to the Secretary of Defense from 1993 to 1997, focusing on important communication and information systems.
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Early Life and Education
Emmett Paige Jr. was born in Jacksonville, Florida. He joined the U.S. Army in August 1947 when he was just sixteen years old. He had left Stanton High School to join the military.
In July 1952, he graduated from the Signal Corps Officer Candidate School. This meant he became a second lieutenant, which is an officer rank.
Even while serving in the Army, Paige continued his education.
- In 1972, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from the University of Maryland University College.
- In 1974, he earned a Master of Arts (MA) degree in public administration from Pennsylvania State University.
He also attended advanced military schools, including the Army Command and General Staff College and the Army War College.
Military Career Highlights
Emmett Paige Jr. had a long and successful career in the Army, especially in areas related to communications and technology.
Leading in Vietnam
During the Vietnam War, he was in charge of the 361st Signal Battalion. Signal battalions are important because they handle communications for the military. He also commanded the 11th Signal Group, which was based at Fort Huachuca in Arizona.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 1976, Paige was promoted to brigadier general. This is a very high rank in the Army. At the same time, he led two important agencies:
- The Army Communications-Electronics Engineering and Installation Agency at Fort Huachuca.
- The Army Communications Systems Agency at Fort Monmouth in New Jersey.
In 1979, he was promoted again to major general. He then became the commanding general of the Army Communications Research and Development Command at Fort Monmouth. This command focused on creating new communication technologies for the Army.
In 1981, he moved to lead the Army Electronics Research and Development Command. This group worked on new electronic technologies for the military.
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On May 15, 1984, Emmett Paige Jr. was nominated to become a lieutenant general. The Senate approved his nomination on May 24, 1984. He then took command of the Army Information Systems Command and Fort Huachuca. He stayed in this role until he retired from the Army on August 1, 1988, after 41 years of service.
Service in Government
After his military retirement, President Bill Clinton nominated Emmett Paige Jr. to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense on May 19, 1993. This was a civilian role, meaning he was no longer in uniform. He appeared before the Senate Committee on Armed Services and was approved by the full Senate.
He served in this important government position from June 1993 to May 1997. In this role, he helped manage the communication, control, and intelligence systems for the entire U.S. Department of Defense.
After his retirement from the Army, the Parade Grounds at Fort Ritchie, an Army post, were named in his honor in 1988.
Awards and Recognition
Emmett Paige Jr. received many awards for his military service and achievements.
- He earned two Distinguished Service Medals, which are given for exceptionally meritorious service.
- He received three Legion of Merit awards, given for outstanding service and achievements.
- He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Beyond military honors, he received honorary Doctor of Law degrees from Tougaloo College and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He also received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Clarkson University. These degrees recognized his important contributions and leadership.
Personal Life
Emmett Paige Jr. was married to Gloria McClary. They had a daughter and two sons. They also had eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Emmett Paige Jr. and his wife are buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many military heroes are laid to rest.
