Uniontown in Fayette County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Mark T. Esper, Ph.D.
Soldier, Scholar, Statesman
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 17, 2026
1. Mark T. Esper, Ph.D. Marker
He went on to graduate with distinction from West Point in 1986, and served 21 years as an Infantry Officer, including combat duty in the 1991 Gulf War. He served in positions of great responsibility in the Congress, Pentagon, Defense Industry, Think Tanks and Politics.
As the 23d Secretary of the Army (2017-19), he led a renaissance in the warfighting ability of the Service that resonates to this day. He later became the 27th Secretary of Defense, where he modernized the Armed Forces, strengthened alliances, reformed the Pentagon, and took care of service members and their families in a major pivot toward Asia.
Dr. Esper is a recipient of many military and civilian awards, and holds advanced degrees from Harvard University and George Washington University.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, 1st Iraq & Desert Storm. A significant historical year for this entry is 2017.
Location. 39° 54.051′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Marshall Legacy (a few steps from this marker); Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Marshall Plan (within shouting distance of this marker); George C. Marshall (within shouting distance of this marker); Europe First, Then Japan
Photographed by Mark Parker, July 17, 2026
2. Mark T. Esper, Ph.D. Marker, looking at W. Main St. Across from George Marshall Plaza.
Also see . . . Mark T. Esper U.S. Department of War Biography.
The Honorable Mark T. Esper was sworn in as the 27th Secretary of Defense July 23, 2019 and served in that capacity until Nov. 9, 2020. He previously served as Acting Secretary of Defense from June 24, 2019, to July 15, 2019. Dr. Esper served as the Secretary of the Army from Nov. 20, 2017, to June 24, 2019, and from July 15, 2019, to July 23, 2019.(Submitted on August 5, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.)
Dr. Esper is a recipient of the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. Among his many military awards and decorations are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal-Saudi Arabia, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
