Tarboro in Edgecombe County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
General Henry Hugh Shelton
Photographed by Dave W, June 25, 2023
1. General Henry Hugh Shelton Marker
With a reputation as a "soldier's soldier" and as both warrior and peacemaker, Henry Hugh Shelton served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1997 to 2001. Born in Tarboro in 1942 and reared in the Speed Community of Edgecombe County, Shelton graduated in 1963 from North Carolina State University. Two tours of duty with the United States Army in Vietnam followed, first as a Green Beret with the 5th Special Forces and later with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Shelton rose through the ranks, and was promoted to Brigadier General in 1988 and General in 1996. He was Assistant Division Commander, 101st Airborne Division during the Gulf War in 1991, Commanded the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg from 1991 to 1993, and United States Special Operations Command from 1996 to 1997. His appointment as Joint Chiefs Chairman made him the principal military adviser to the President, Secretary of Defense, and National Security Council. His many honors include the Congressional Gold Medal presented in 2001 and a Knighthood bestowed by Queen Elizabeth II in the same year.
Erected by People of Edgecombe County.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1942.
Location. 35° 53.954′ N, 77° 32.31′ W. Memorial
this page online
Regionally, this memorial is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Edgecombe County Supreme Sacrifice Memorial (here, next to this marker); Edgecombe County Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); God and Country (here, next to this marker); John Spencer Bassett (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel Louis D. Wilson (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington's Southern Tour (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Town Common (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Edgecombe County Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tarboro.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Town Common (was about 700 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by Dave W, June 25, 2023
2. General Henry Hugh Shelton Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 27, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
