Lieutenant Colonel William K. Emerson, USA (ret.) “a former U.S. Army officer and program manager for various defense engineering firms. A recognized specialist on army material culture he is the author of Marksmanship in the U.S. Army: A History of Medals, Shooting Programs, and Training; Encyclopedia of United States Army Insignia and Uniforms; Chevrons: Illustrated History and Catalog of U.S. Army Insignia; United States Army Badges, 1921-2006; and, Overview of U.S. Army Chevrons, 1872-1958.

According to the book description of Marksmanship in the U.S. Army: A History of Medals, Shooting Programs, and Training, “Featuring hundreds of black-and-white illustrations of marksmanship medals, prizes, and badges, plus a special full-color section, this encyclopedia of U.S. Army shooting awards and training program rewards is a must-have for military historians and collectors. In Marksmanship in the U.S. Army, William K. Emerson details weapons training from the 1850s to the present, gathering this information for the first time in a single volume.

Emerson highlights the philosophies behind army marksmanship and documents the awards, prizes, and badges bestowed upon the War Department's most elite shooters, artillerymen, and swordsmen. Proficiency training discussed in this book includes the use of sabers, cannons, sea mines, bayonets, tank weapons, aerial gunnery, bombs, and other weapons. Emerson integrates discussion of the criteria, people, and rationale behind each award into this historical account.

Emerson's emphasis on national rifle and pistol matches, the history of selected army and NRA trophies, and significant players in the army's weapons training development enhances the comprehensive appeal of the latest contribution to military history by this experienced author.”

Booklist said of Encyclopedia of United States Army Insignia and Uniforms, “Emerson, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, is the author of Chevrons, a detailed book on U.S. Army insignia, and a member of many collectors organizations. This massive reference book is intended for researchers, historians, collectors, dealers, and curators. It covers insignia and uniforms of the U.S. Army from 1782 to the present. Before insignia became common, the design of the uniform was especially important in identifying nationality and branch of service. Thus, one-third of this book is devoted to the study of uniforms, and two-thirds covers insignia. The book is divided into 22 sections and 80 chapters that are arranged to allow the identification of like objects (e.g., section 8, Musician's Insignias; chapter 13, "Lyres"; chapter 14, "Bugles, Horns, and Trumpets"). Coverage includes all branches of the army and everything from field clothing to dress uniforms. Insignia and uniforms for chaplains, medical personnel, foreign units, Indians, and women are covered in detail. The text is profusely illustrated with more than 2,000 black-and-white photographs and occasional line drawings. The illustrations are appropriately placed throughout the text and frequently show the items being worn. In an appendix is a well-illustrated seven-page essay on insignia fasteners. The bibliography has 249 listings for books, government documents, periodicals, and catalogs. Also assisting users is a nine-page index with appropriate see and see also references.”