Background
Eshelman, Mark James was born on May 17, 1958 in Olean, New York, United States. Son of Robert H. and Mary Ellen E. Bachelor of Science with honors, United States Military Academy, West Point, 1980. Commissioned Second lieutenant United States Army, 1980, advanced through grades to captain, infantry platoon leader 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 1981-1982, infantry company executive officer, 1982, infantry battalion logistics officer, 1983-1984, student United States Army Armor School, Fort Knox, Kentucky, 1984, Armor Brigade assistant logistics officer 3d Armor Division, Kirchgoens, W.Germany, 1985, brigade headquarters company Commander, 1985-1987, infantry rifle company Commander, since 1987. Decorated Bronze Star, Meritorious Service medal, M.D.S. with oak leaf clusters, Achievement medal with oak leaf cluster, Expeditionary medal.