Congratulations to the 2024 Ranger Hall of Fame inductees:
MG Leroy Suddath Jr
Major General (Ret.) Leroy N. Suddath, Jr. is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for ex- traordinary achievements and outstanding leadership as commander of the 1st Special Operations Command. Major General Suddath took command of the 1st SOCOM in August 1984, with the mission of forging the 75th Ranger Regiment and other special operations units into a lethal fighting force. Major General Suddath instilled discipline and esprit de corps within the regiment and its subordinate Ranger battalions. He demonstrated the importance of Rangers within the total army formation and as the vital component of special operations. Major General Suddath's efforts led to elevated senior leadership opportunities for Rangers, which brought the possibly of career enhancement for all US Army Rangers. With increased manning levels, firepower, and equipment, MG Suddath left the Ranger Regiment as a superior fighting force within the special operations community. Following Major General Suddath's retirement he stayed a champion of Ranger ethos in his community of Savannah, Georgia. A steady presence for decades of Ranger Battalion commanders at Hunter Army Airfield, Major General Suddath inspired generations of Rangers to "Lead the Way". Major General Suddath's awards and decorations include the Silver Star with one oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star with V device and four oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with “3” device, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Thai Parachutist Badge with Aiguillette, and the Canadian Parachutist Badge. Major General Suddath's strength of character, superior leadership, and exemplary service to the nation have set the example for other Rangers to follow.
COL James A. Pfaff
For over thirty years of service, Colonel (Ret.) James A. Pfaff MD has provided medical care and training to the brave men and woman of the United States Armed Forces, and his beloved Army Rangers. Dr Pfaff began his Ranger career jumping into Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury with the 1st Ranger Battalion, as the Battalion Surgeon. Upon completing his residency in Emergency Medicine, Dr Pfaff began a combat and peacetime by selecting, training, mentoring, and developing the finest medics and physicians in the Army. Ranger Pfaff served in the Joint Military Augmentation Unit (JMAU) for over ten years, including time as the commander. In this role, he provided trauma and critical care medicine to Special Operations Forces and Rangers in Panama, Somalia and both wars in Iraq. He further served as the Consultant to the Army Surgeon General for both Emergency Medicine and Special Operations Medicine. He continued service as teaching faculty at Brooke Army Medical Center, the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the Department of Defense. As the Chief and teaching faculty at the San Antonio Uniformed Health Education (SAUSHEC) Emergency Medicine Residency at BAMC, Dr Pfaff trained and mentored dozens of physicians for service in the 75th Ranger Regiment, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, Special Forces Groups and as Surgical Resuscitation Team (SRT) members of the JMAU supporting global JSOC operations. In keeping with the Ranger Creed, he led the way in combat, training, and maintaining Ranger medical mission readiness through a life of selfless service and dedication to caring for Rangers and Soldiers.
COL John L. Jensen
Colonel John L. Jensen is inducted into the Ranger HOF for his more than 35 years of distinguished service, both during and after his active duty. Jensen entered the Army in 1968, immediately completing IOBC, Abn and Ranger training. After completing the Pathfinder Course in 1969, then 1LT Jensen was assigned to VN and the 173rd Abn Bde, where he served as a rifle platoon leader for 10 months. Then CPT Jensen extended his tour and after 16 months of combat (including 131 consecutive days and 13 0 consecutive nights in field combat operations), was then assigned to MRD, where he was a Ranger Instructor and a Patrolling Team Chief. During this assignment, CPT Jensen became the first Ranger slotted officer to attend HALO (Military Freefall Parachutist) and the first to be ground sensor trained. LTC Jensen took command of Camp Rudder and the FRD in the Spring, 1985. In 1987, upon the standup of the Ranger Training Brigade (RTB), he became the first Cdr, 6th RTBn, the sole field grade cdr to be retained by the RTB. During this assignment, LTC Jensen brought FRD training into conformation with Army standards, changes that were later exported throughout the RTB. LTC Jensen was lauded by the RTB Commander in1988, who said, "John Jensen, though appearing to be quiet and softspoken, is the most effective Ranger trainer ever. No one has helped prepare more folks for combat leadership than John Jensen.” LTC Jensen was airborne cmdr for 100+ jumps, amphib cmdr for 40+ small boat beach assaults, and cmdr for hundreds of riverine, helo, live fire and rappel operations. After Camp Rudder, LTC/COL Jensen graduated from the Naval War College and served there as an Army Exchange Professor. Upon retirement, COL Jensen practiced law, ran hiring centers for TSA, and helped certify units for overseas combat service. He is one of few who has been behind both the Soviet era Iron Curtain and the 21st Century Chinese Bamboo Curtain. In both his Army career and his post Army activities, 35 years, COL Jensen exemplifies our motto of "Rangers Lead the Way"
COL John R. Reitzell
Colonel (Ret.) John R. Reitzell lives by the Ranger Creed and is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his courageous actions in combat, and his magnificent service to the U.S. Army Ranger and U.S. Special Operations forces, the United States Army, and the Nation. Colonel John Reitzell is a combat leader who led from the front in performing the many missions given to him, while always ensuring the care of Rangers, Soldiers and American service members under his command or tutelage. Colonel John Reitzell is a man of unparalleled courage who has deployed into combat in Vietnam (1971), Operation Urgent Fury-Grenada (1983) and countless highly sensitive and classified missions during peacetime. John was instrumental in times of combat and was influential in providing judgment, advice and assistance to the Commanders of JSOC and USSOCOM on countless operations. His 28+ years of active service was a true example of the Ranger Creed, I will set the example for others to follow.
MAJ Gilbert K. Jenkins
Major (Ret.) Gilbert K. Jenkins is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his incredible accomplishments as a NCO and officer, his combat leadership and exemplary valor, and his significant contribution in developing Ranger students and supporting mission readiness of the newly formed 1st and 2nd Ranger Battalions and Delta Force. During his 21-year career, Ranger Jenkins served with distinction during the Vietnam War and in peacetime in numerous Ranger, Special Forces, and Infantry assignments. As a young NCO with the 77th Special Forces Group, he served his first combat tour in Laos from October 1960 – May 1961. During May 1962 – November 1962, he served his second combat tour in Laos with the 7th Special Forces Group. After a tour with the 10th Special Forces Group in Bad Tolz, Germany, Staff Sergeant Jenkins attended Infantry OCS in February 1965 and was the Honor Graduate. While assigned to the 6th Special Forces Group, First Lieutenant Jenkins attended Ranger School and was the Honor Graduate of Class #05-66, February 1966. Upon completion of Ranger School, Ranger Jenkins was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group, Vietnam, and served his third combat tour from June 1966 – June 1967 with a Mike Force Blackjack operation. Ranger Jenkins was then assigned to the Florida Ranger Camp where he served as a Ranger Instructor, S4, and Commander, 1st Ranger Company, June 1967 – January 1969. Ranger Jenkins graduated from Aviation School in October 1969, and as Commander, 205th Assault Support Helicopter Company, he served his 4th combat tour in Vietnam flying Chinook helicopters. During his four combat tours, Ranger Jenkins was awarded two Bronze Stars for Valor, two Purple Hearts, and a Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage under fire. From June 1977 to May 1979, as the FORSCOM DCSOPS G3 Army Special Operations Forces Action Officer, Ranger Jenkins coordinated all actions pertaining to Special Forces, 1st and 2nd Ranger Battalions, and Delta operational readiness. The CG of FORSCOM selected Ranger Jenkins to develop an "Entebbe" type of unit from Special Forces and Ranger assets until Delta was ready and to develop Delta's mission requirements and evaluate their ORT. Major Jenkins retired from Active Duty in May 1979 after and was awarded the Legion of Merit for his incredible contribution to his country. Ranger Jenkins led the way throughout his distinguished career. His courageous leadership and dedicated service epitomize the Ranger Creed and merit his induction into the Ranger Hall of Fame.
MAJ Anthony Mayne
Major (Ret.) Anthony W. Mayne is hereby inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his service as a rifleman, noncommissioned officer, commissioned officer, and veteran advocate of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Throughout his military and civilian careers, Ranger Mayne has always placed the well-being of the Rangers above his beginning with his service as a Ranger in C Co., 3/75. As a Ranger noncommissioned officer, he deployed on three combat tours and participated in two combat airborne assaults, including the nation’s initial response to the 9/11 terrorist attack on Objective Rhino in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, on Oct 19, 2001. Ranger Mayne received the Bronze Star for Valor for his decisive actions in saving the lives of his Rangers’ during an enemy near ambush in Haditha, Iraq, on April 1, 2003. Upon returning to the Ranger Regiment, Ranger Mayne’s enduring legacy was made as the Regimental Public Affairs Officer, where he codified the Ranger for Life career and personal development program. As a veteran advocate for Rangers and their families, Rangers Mayne has served as the GallantFew national transition director, United States Army Ranger Association southeast region director, 75th Ranger Regiment Association 3rd Ranger Battalion unit director, Merrill’s Marauders and World War II Ranger Congressional Gold Medal teams, and the Global SOF Foundation SOF for Life steering committee. Ranger Mayne established St. Luke Church’s Ranger Outreach Center in 2021. The ROC and its partner organizations enhance the holistic wellness of hundreds of Rangers, local veterans, and their families annually through a variety of professional, personal, and Christian growth programs and activities. Ranger Tony Mayne’s leadership and service to past, present, and future members of the Ranger and Veteran communities set an example for others to follow in keeping with the highest traditions of the Ranger Creed. His achievements reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and 75th Ranger Regiment Association.
MAJ Willie Merkerson Jr.
Major (Ret.) Willie Merkerson is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his service and personification of the Ranger Creed throughout his military and civilian career. Major Merkerson retired from the U.S. Army in August 1980 after twenty three years of service. He served fourteen years in special operation units as both a Non Commissioned Officer and a Commissioned Officer. His most notable assignments include Special Forces Demolition Sergeant, Commander, 21st Mobile Strike Force (MIKE Force), Commander, K Company (Ranger),75th Infantry Airborne, 4th IN DIV, Commander, Recon Company CCC (MACV-SOG), and Commander Recon Company Brightlight. He received the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his actions in the Bin Dinh Province on 19 June 1967. At the time, 1LT Merkerson led a search and destroy mission with a Vietnamese task force as the senior Special Forces advisor. Under intense enemy fire, he provided purpose and motivation to his men, operated multiple weapons systems, coordinated fires and medical evacuation flights, evacuated casualties, and provided life saving interventions to wounded Soldiers. During his time at MACV-SOG, he led and participated in multiple covert missions into Laos and Cambodia. Major Merkerson was once again decorated for valor due to his actions in combat while in MACV-SOG. Continuing his service to our nation, he served in various roles with the CIA, often working directly with US military Special Operation Forces (SOF). In September 2011, he retired from the CIA after more than 54 years of distinguished U.S. Government service. Major Merkerson deployed numerous times to Vietnam while in the Army and worked extensively in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East while in the CIA. Major Merkerson’s actions bring great credit upon himself, the United States Government, the United States Army and the United States Army Rangers.
CSM Victor A. Ballesteros
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Victor A. Ballesteros is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his service and embodiment of the Ranger Creed through out his military career. Command Sergeant Major Ballesteros' service career began in 1991 when he attended basic training in Fort Moore, Georgia. After completion of the Ranger Indoctrination Program he was assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment where he would spend a majority of his 28 year military career holding every Infantry position from Rifleman to Command Sergeant Major of 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment as well as Command Sergeant Major of the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade. He has 11 combat deployments as a Ranger. Ranger Victor Ballesteros is the epitome of a Ranger and has set the example for others to follow. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
CSM John Brady
CSM (Ret.) John Brady is inducted in the Ranger Hall of Fame for distinguished service to America and for his enduring devotion to the values captured in the Ranger Creed. CSM Brady has served in every enlisted duty position inherent to an Airborne Ranger Rifle Company. His first assignment was with the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Then he was stationed with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 1996 CSM Brady was assigned to 3rd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment where he would serve in every leadership position from Squad Leader through Company First Sergeant. Upon making promotion to Sergeant Major CSM Brady went to 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment to serve as the Operations Sergeant Major and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. After his tour with 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, returned to Fort Benning and became the 75th Ranger Regiment Operations Sergeant Major until 2011. CSM Brady finished his career as the Infantry School Command Sergeant Major- Retiring on 31 Oct 2017 with 29.3 years of active federal service and 9 combat deployments in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. CSM Brady contributions to the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Nation are phenomenal and enduring. His exceptional leadership and service are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Ranger Creed, and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army Rangers, and the United States Army.
CSM Brunk W. Conley
Command Segreant Major (Ret.) Brunk W. Conley the 10th Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard, is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his dedication to duty, exemplary service and contributions to the U.S. Army as a Ranger Non-commissioned Officer, leader and citizen-soldier, who served his state and nation at the highest levels of the Army National Guard. Ranger Conley began his military career in 3rd Platoon, A Company, 2nd Battalion, (RANGER) 75th Infantry. Taught and mentored by Rangers that lived the Ranger Creed Ranger Conley lived and fulfilled the Abrams Charter serving as a "Citizen Soldier," teaching High School Physics, Chemistry, and Coaching High School athletes. Wherever Ranger Conley served the Army, the National Guard, or his community he instilled Ranger values, skills and attributes. He served at every enlisted leadership position as an infantryman Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Command Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major of the National Guard. He served in Iraq as a Battalion Command Sergeant Major, Hurricane Katrina as a Brigade Command Sergeant Major, in Afghanistan as the Joint Task Force Phoenix V Command Sergeant Major, the Oregon National Guard Command Sergeant Major, and culminated his military career as the 10th Command Sergeant Major of the Army National Guard representing over 300,000 enlisted soldiers. Ranger Conley is the first Ranger to serve in that position. Ranger Conley’s leadership, professional excellence and dedication to duty throughout his 35-year career brings credit to himself, his country, and the United States Army Rangers.
CSM Frank Grippe
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Frank Grippe is inducted in into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his distinguished service to our Nation as a Ranger, his inspiration to generations of Rangers and embodiment of the Ranger Creed. CSM Grippe served in Ranger and Infantry units from Private to Command Sergeant Major of the 101st Airborne Division. He was subsequently selected to serve as the CSM of US I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord WA and was dual hatted as the Senior Enlisted Leader of Multi-National Corps-Iraq during OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. CSM Grippe’s final assignment was as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader for the United States Central Command. Command Sergeant Major Grippe’s combat leadership was inspirational as a Platoon Sergeant during the Airborne Assault into Panama with 2nd Ranger Battalion during OPERATION JUST CAUSE, as a key leader during Operation Anaconda in the initial days of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan and throughout his additional numerous other combat deployments. Command Sergeant Major Grippe always led from the front and was a pivotal leader at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels during some of our Nation’s toughest combat during the Global War on Terrorism. As a senior enlisted leader at the highest levels, Frank Grippe participated in numerous combat operations with Ranger forces, general purpose forces, other special operation forces and our partnered forces shouldering the same risk as those he led. He is a Distinguished Member of the 75th Ranger Regiment, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment and the 87th Infantry Regiment. He is also a 2022 Doughboy award recipient, which is presently annually by the Chief of Infantry. His exceptional leadership and service are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Ranger Creed, and reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army Rangers, and the United States Army.
CSM Randall K. Inman
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Randall K. Inman is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his service and embodiment of the Ranger Creed through out his military career. CSM (Ret.) Inman's service career began in 1985 when he attended basic in Fort Moore, Georgia. After completion of the Ranger Indoctrination Program he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, where he would spend a majority of his 23 year military career holding every Infantry position from Rifleman to Command Sergeant Major. For his final position in the Army he was selected as the Command Sergeant Major of the 75th Ranger Regiment while the Regiment was engaged in combat operations in two theaters. His combat deployments include Operation Just Cause, Panama; Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan; Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq. During Operation Just Cause, Inman was selected to preform Jumpmaster duties for the low level combat jump onto Rio Hato air field. After his retirement, Inman returned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment to serve in a civilian position. In Spring 2011, Randy Inman, and a small group of retired Army Rangers living in the Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington area formed a non-profit organization, the Pointe Du Hoc Foundation. It’s mission: provide charitable and benevolent support to 2nd Battalion Rangers and families, those directly impacted by multiple mid-east combat deployments. Additionally, Randy Inman facilitated the building of the Battalion Memorial which celebrates Rangers past, present, and future.
CSM Glenn Legg
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Glenn Legg is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his service and embodiment of the Ranger Creed throughout his military career. CSM (Ret.) Legg's service career began in 1983 when he attended Infantry One Station Unit Training at Fort Moore, Georgia. He was assig ned to 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Johnson, Louisiana where he held positions as Rifleman, Machine Gunner, and Team Leader. He also served with 1st Armored Division (Mechanized), Erlangen, Germany. Early in 1988, he was reassigned to the 10th Mountain Division, where he served as an Air Assault Instructor and Pre-Ranger Instructor. His career with the 75th Ranger Regiment began in 1990, when he volunteered for 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, serving as a Squad Leader, Weapon Squad Leader, and Platoon Sergeant in Charlie Company. He returned to the U.S. Army serving in the 82nd Airborne Division as a First Sergeant in 2nd Battalion 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. After attending the US Army Sergeant’s Major Academy was selected to serve as the Operations Sergeant Major for the 75th Ranger Regiment, and later as the Command Sergeant Major for 5th Ranger Training Battalion, and subsequently the Command Sergeant Major for 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. CSM (Ret.) Legg continues to serve his country as a Department of the Army Civil Servant. CSM (Ret.) Legg deployed in support of operations DESERT STORM, UPHOLD DEMOCRACY, NOBLE ANVIL, NOBLE EAGLE, and multiple times in support of operations ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM. Ranger Glenn Legg is the epitome of a U.S. Army Ranger and has set the example for others to follow for more than 40 years. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
CSM Harry L. Wimbrough
Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Harry L. Wimbrough is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for his contributions to our Nation, the U.S. Army, and the 75th Ranger Regiment. CSM Wimbrough successfully completed a multitude of high profile and influential leadership positions spanning a thirty year Army career. He was well prepared for these challenging assignments after having served in all three Ranger Battalions within the 75th Ranger Regiment. He was an original member of the 3rd Ranger Battalion and served in combat with the 2nd Ranger Battalion in Panama where he earned his Master Parachutist Badge with combat star during the initial invasion. His Ranger service in peacetime and wartime have inspired and motivated hundreds of Rangers within the Ranger Regiment and beyond. In 2003, Ranger Wimbrough was chosen to be the Regimental Command Sergeant Major of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, The Old Guard, the Army's official ceremony unit and escort to the President. His accomplishments are too numerous to name but span a ;lifetime. He is still active within the Ranger Community today, continues to mentor young Rangers, and is the Honorary Sergeant Major of The Old Guard.
SGT Terry Roderick
Ranger Terry Roderick is hereby inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame after spending nearly seven years in the military culminating in his time served as a volunteer with P Company (Ranger) 75th Infantry in Vietnam. Ranger Roderick distinguished himself again by assuming leadership positions in the 75th Ranger Regiment Association as both the Vice President and President. Following his tenure there he continued to assist and support the Association as an advisor with his guidance and constant contributions. Ranger Roderick's aspiration to bring the 75th Ranger Regiment Association and the current Ranger Battalions closer together was a principal objective of his and one that he pursued strongly through his actions for the remainder of his life. His support for the 75th Ranger Regiment and Battalions was remarkable and unparalleled. In this capacity, Ranger Roderick set himself apart as an example for all to follow through his continued advice and mentorship, both monetarily and with his constant presence at most Ranger functions. He truly distinguished himself as a Ranger model with his phenomenal commitments and service to our "Ranger Brotherhood" and community. Ranger Terry Roderick's leadership and service to both the 75th Ranger Regiment Association and to the Ranger Battalions and our community as a whole were phenomenal and exceptional and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Ranger Creed. His achievements reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army Rangers and the United States Army. Ranger Roderick has always “Lead the Way”!
Honorary Inductee Mr. Richard Dean Eckburg
Mr. Richard D. Eckburg is posthumously inducted as an Honorary Member of the Ranger Hall of Fame for his philanthropic and compassionate endeavors with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia and the 75th Ranger Regiment. Mr. Eckburg, a United States Army Veteran, has encouraged, supported and befriended Rangers for over twenty years. He has mentored Rangers in building financial security based upon his many years in business at corporate levels. He assisted in morale building activities and was seen talking, mentoring, and always lifting spirits with Rangers, Ranger Civilians and Ranger Families. Until his unexpected death in 2020, Dick Eckburg was present at most services of our Fallen Heroes and was well known for his deployment packages which brought a little bit of home to our Rangers. He also hosted the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner for the Ranger Volunteers. It is through his contacts and determination at fundraising that the 1/75 Memorial became a reality. He was a founding Board Member of the Ranger Memorial Board which has become the 1/75 Sua Sponte Foundation, supporting Rangers, Families and Gold star Families in morale and welfare events. He was one of the most caring, generous individuals who loved his Rangers and should be recognized and remembered for his many contributions. He is most worthy to be recognized and honored with being inducted as an Honorary Member in the Ranger Hall of Fame.