Armand Hammer
Armand Martin Hammer, 75, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, passed away at his residence on Monday, June 19, 2017.
He was the son of the late Walter and Mary Hammer of Chattanooga. He was a graduate of Morgan County High School. He attended the University of Alabama, earned his B.S. degree in Business Management from UTC and his Masters in Education from Tusculum College in Greensville, TN. Armand began his military career as a private in the US Marines and retired as a Major General in the US Army. For over 35 years, General Hammer served our country with integrity, honor pride, and respect for his fellow man. He was a noted athlete, a superior marksman, and a disciplined soldier, always searching for perfection and always responsive to the needs of his troops. General Hammer led by example and failed to recognize the superior performance of his command.
General Hammer was a true “Mustang” having successfully performed in eight officer and seven enlisted grades. These grades included: Major General, Brigadier General, Colonel, Major, Captain, First Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant, Gunnery Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, Sergeant, Corporal, Lance Corporal, Private First Class, and Private. The unique experience gained through holding several officer and enlisted ranks provided General Hammer with a leadership perspective seldom found in one officer. Having “Walked in the other man’s shoes” provided General Hammer with an understanding of military “do’s and don’ts” regarding the appropriate style of leadership needed to successfully accomplish any mission or task.
Major General Hammer’s military consisted of 10 years in the U.S. Marines, 22 years U.S. Army, and 3 years assigned to the Military Department of Tennessee for a total of 35 years. The General began his career as a private in the Marines, rose to the enlisted rank of Gunnery Sergeant, received a combat commission as a Second Lieutenant in Vietnam. He was awarded several decorations and commendations for service in Vietnam and while performing in every position from Private to Senior Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) to Commanding General. Primary service was in the infantry, Field Artillery, Adjutant General, Embassy Security, and Mechanized Supply specialties.
His awards include Navy Cross, Bronze Star w/v, Purple Hearts 3, Meritorious Service Medals 3, Air Medal, Army Commendation, Navy Commendation, Navy Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, USMC Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Medal, Vietnam Cross Gallantry, Army Overseas Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and several medals and commendations awarded from the reserve components. Additionally, parachute wings, rifle and pistol expert badges.
After his military career he held the position of State Adjutant for the Department of Tennessee from 1994 until 2012, then served as Department Commander from 2012-2013
He is survived by his wife, Sheila and his three children, Karen Billingsley (Kevin), Randall Hammer (Angela), and Jonathan Hammer; and one grandson, Austin Billingsley.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm on Friday, June 23, at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson. The graveside funeral will be on Saturday, June 24, at 2 p.m. at Chattanooga Memorial Park with full military honors.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.