10 inducted into Ranger Hall of Fame

By Staff Sgt. Steven A. LivingstonJuly 31, 2014

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FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 23, 2014) -- Ten Rangers were inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame July 16 during a ceremony at Fort Benning's Maneuver Center of Excellence McGinnis-Wickam Hall.

According to the U.S. Army Ranger Association's web site, the induction, held annually each July, the Ranger Hall of Fame was formed to honor and preserve the spirit and contributions of Americans most extraordinary Rangers.

"I have always tried to live my life by the Ranger creed," said retired Master Sgt. Kenneth Bachmann, who served as a primary jump master on the combat jump into Grenada as a part of Operation Urgent Fury.

Later Bachmann served as the pathfinder on Point Salinas during the medical student rescue.

"There is something unique about Ranger leaders," he said.

Retired Lt. Gen. Dell Daily, an inductee, said Ranger leaders are committed to their team and the mission, never quit and lead the way with character and values.

Other Rangers inducted in the Hall of Fame were: retired Command Sgt. Maj. Peter Bacerra, retired Command Sgt. Maj. James W. Fowler, retired Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey L. Greer, retired Col. Robert A. Guy, retired Lt. Gen. John M. Le Moyne, retired Brig. Gen. Herbert J. Lloyd, retired Staff Sgt. Calvin D. Rollins and retired Col. Robert Tonsetic.

"When I was a boy I saw a movie with James Garner called Darby's Rangers," Fowler said. "I knew then what I wanted to be. While in the Army I met a Ranger recruiter who asked me if I wanted 'to jump out of a high performance aircraft, in the dead of night, to shoot bad guys in the face with high caliber weapons,' and I said yes."

Fowler was twice decorated with the Bronze Star with "V" device for his actions under heavy enemy fire while serving as a patrol leader in Vietnam on team Juliet.

"I have led a blessed life," Fowler said. "If I could go back in time I wouldn't change a thing. I couldn't have scripted things any better. Being inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame is a very humbling honor. In history there have been less than 360 guys inducted.

"(But) this is not a me award, this is a we award. It was done with all of the great Rangers who I have had the privilege to serve with."

Each inductee was presented with a Ranger Hall of Fame medallion. According to the RHoF induction ceremony program, the medallion signifies selfless sacrifice, professional excellence and remarkable accomplishment in the defense of the greatest nation in the world and to the highest ideals of service.

"Every era in history has it's heroes who deserve recognition," Rollins said.

Rollins was wounded during combat operations in Laos and later medically retired from the Army.

"I was fortunate that I was able to walk with some of the giants of my era," he said.