AMC honors six retired commanding generals

By Elizabeth Behring (AMC)March 15, 2016

AMC honors six retired commanding generals
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Army Materiel Command Commander Gen. Dennis L. Via, Claudia Thompson-Deahl and AMC Command Sgt. Maj. James K. Sims stand in front of the newly-unveiled AMC Hall of Fame display at AMC Headquarters March 14. Thompson-Deahl received a plaque in honor o... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
AMC honors six retired commanding generals
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Army Materiel Command Commander Gen. Dennis L. Via talks with retired AMC Commander Gen. Leon E. Salomon following the AMC Hall of Fame Ceremony Monday. Salomon, who was AMC's commander from 1994-1996, was one of six retired AMC generals who were ho... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- The Army Materiel Command inducted six of its retired commanders into the AMC Hall of Fame during a ceremony March 14 in AMC Headquarters' Villar Room.

The event, hosted by AMC Commander Gen. Dennis L. Via, honored past commanders Gen. Ferdinand J. Chesarek, AMC's second commander; Gen. Henry A. Miley Jr., third commander; Gen. Richard H. Thompson, eighth commander; Gen. Louis C. Wagner Jr., ninth; and Gen. William G.T. Tuttle Jr., the 10th.

"Their exceptional leadership is why we're here today. The work of these extraordinary commanders who made lifelong achievements is part of a foundation to ensure AMC stays ahead in the past, present and future. I am humbled and honored to induct this class into the 2016 Hall of Fame," Via said.

The many accomplishments include those of Cheserak, who was a decorated World War II veteran, to Thompson, the only Soldier in the Quartermaster branch to ascend from the rank of private to four-star general, to Salomon, who embraced the emerging technologies of virtual design and prototyping as keys to future AMC success. In addition, Tuttle led Operation Just Cause, the command's first major military engagement since the Vietnam War, Wagner was responsible for the successful execution of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty and Miley successfully navigated the command through its largest drawdown in history.

Cheserak, who died in 1993, was represented by his nephew Robert and Robert's son Justin. Maj. Gen. Clark LeMasters, AMC deputy chief of staff for operations and logistics, G-3/4/5/7, accepted Miley's plaque on his behalf. Miley died in 2010. Thompson's daughter Claudia Thompson-Deahl stood in for her father, who died in February. Wagner, Tuttle and Salomon attended the ceremony.

"Achieving this honor is very satisfying. I was surprised, as there are many others who have served before and now who are very capable. I'm not letting it get to my head, but it was nice to have happened," Tuttle said with a smile.

Following the formal part of the ceremony, the awardees and their family members watched as Via and AMC Command Sgt. Maj. James Sims uncovered the plaques along a main thoroughfare in the AMC headquarters.

Salomon said he found out he'd been selected when he received a letter in the mail.

"I felt so happy for the awardees, because I knew all of them. It was only after I finished reading the letter that I finally realized I'd also been selected for this honor in a very inclusive club. Thanks, General Via, for a great day and a great ceremony. Go AMC," Salomon said.