Texas
Military Forces
Hall of Honor
James G.
West
 Chief
Warrant Officer Four James G. West began his military career by
enlisting in Company B, 142nd Infantry, 36th Infantry Division, on 8
October 1935, in Coleman, Texas. He completed his enlistment on 7
October 1938 and temporarily retired until 9 September 1944. On that
date he entered active duty for service in World War 1I. During this
tour, he served as a tank mechanic at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. He was
promoted to corporal and was released from active duty on 27 November
1945. On 13 November 1947, he reenlisted in Company B, 142"d Infantry
Regiment, 36th Infantry Division. In 1950, after attaining the rank of
sergeant first class, Mr. West was commissioned a warrant officer junior
grade still in Company B, 142nd Infantry Regiment.
Mr. West continued to serve in the Coleman unit until 15 January 1968
when he was transferred to 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor, 49th Armored
Division in Brownwood, Texas. He subsequently served in the 249th
Supply and Transport Battalion and 111th Medical Battalion of the 49th
Armored Division in Austin. In June of 1977, he was transferred to State
Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, Texas Army National Guard.
On 27 May 1980 Mr. West retired from the Texas National Guard with
nearly 39 years of military service. His duty assignments have ranged
from unit armorer, with mechanic, supply sergeant, unit administrator,
rifle platoon sergeant, automotive maintenance technician, unit
personnel technician, and food service technician. Mr. West was a
full-time military technician from 13 November 1947 to 27 May 1980, a
period spanning nearly 33 years. He served as a state employee from 1
June 1980 to 31 May 1981. He is perhaps most noted for his technician
service as an administrative supply technician or AST as they were
referred to by many soldiers, particularly young NCOs and officers. He
performed the duties of father, mother, doctor, lawyer, spiritual
advisor and, most of all, friend. As a property auditor Mr. West ensured
that Federal property issued to Guard units was authorized, accounted
for and properly maintained. He was the true steward of equipment
resources. Many company commanders, supply sergeants, and battalion
administrative officers have worried about property accountability,
however, because of his diligence, no one in his battalion had ever had
to pay for the loss or damage of government property. The fact is that
Mr. West, in his capacity as AST and property auditor, taught young
NCOs, officers and aspiring administrative officers more about
leadership, property accountability and ethics than they could ever
learn in a military school.
Mr. West was a leader in the civic community as well. A member of the
Coleman Jaycees, he was active in marketing the National Guard and,
unbeknownst to him at the time, he was probably laying the ground work
for the current Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program. He is
an active member of the First Methodist Church of Coleman and during his
29 years in the Coleman unit, he organized many parades and patriotic
events. In essence Mr. West was "The National Guard" in the Coleman
community. His military affiliations include the National Guard
Association of the U.S., National Guard Association of Texas, and lie is
past president of the Warrant Officers' Association.
Mr. West has served the military forces of his beloved city, his state,
and nation in a most outstanding and auspicious manner. In all instances
and at all levels of services, he has gained the respect and admiration
of all with whom he has served. His contribution to the Military Forces
of Texas and this nation have been truly significant and merit him the
respect and admiration of all citizens of Texas.
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