Emory Scott West was born on September 12, 1874, in Troy, West Virginia. He attended several schools there and would go on to further his education by graduating from Redfield College in South Dakota. Not much is recorded of his early life, as he emerges primarily onto the historical scene during the Spanish-American War. During this conflict, he enlisted in the Army, launching a career that would span nearly the rest of his life, serving his country during its transformation into a global superpower.
At the outset of the war, West served in the Philippines. He also served as the executive officer of three Prisoner of War camps during World War I. After the war, he spent the remainder of his life involved in personal pursuits, in addition to active and reserve military duties, including time as educational and recreational director in the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth until his active-duty retirement in 1922. As a reservist, he was director of the Davenport ROTC, as well as a staff member at the Illinois Military School and the Aledo Military Academy.
In his local community, West was president of the Lions Club. He died on July 1, 1955, survived by his wife, four daughters, and son Emory Scott West, Jr. He now rests in Section F, Row 0, Site 1215 at Rock Island National Cemetery. Honor his service at his Veterans Legacy Memorial page.
This #VeteranOfTheDay is from the Veterans Legacy Program. To learn more about the VLP, our partnerships and how we share the stories of Veterans in our national cemeteries, please visit the VLP webpage.
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