Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Gwendolyn Bingham

By Amy TurnerOctober 5, 2023

2023 Hall of Fame Inductee

University of Alabama (1981)

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Gwendolyn Bingham was born on August 22, in Troy, Alabama. She earned a General Business degree and was an Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate from the University of Alabama in 1981. Bingham has a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in National Security Strategy and Resources from the National Defense University.

She was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps. Bingham has served in a myriad of staff and leadership positions throughout her career from Platoon Leader to Two-Star Commanding General. She has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and has served in assignments both in CONUS and overseas. LTG Bingham served as the 51st Quartermaster General of the United States Army and Commandant of the U.S. Army Quartermaster School, Fort Lee, Virginia; Commanding General, U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, and Commanding General, Tank-automotive and Armaments Life Cycle Management Command, Warren, Michigan.

Bingham was the first female to serve as quartermaster general. While serving in this capacity, General Bingham became the first female African American Quartermaster Corps general to serve as the Fort Lee garrison commander. Lieutenant General Bingham is the recipient of the 2018 Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the 2018 Women in Defense Service to the Flag award.

After 30 years of service, Bingham retired in 2019. Her military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit (with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters); Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster); Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters); Joint Service Commendation Medal; Army Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Army Achievement Medal and numerous campaign and service medals.

She is a regular mentor and speaker for the University of Alabama ROTC Program where she continues to inspire and educate. Bingham also remains directly connected to the university and served as the key-note speaker for the university’s Women in Leadership Conference last year.

About the Army ROTC Hall of Fame

The ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016 as part of the ROTC Centennial celebration. The first class (2016) inducted 326 former ROTC Cadets who had distinguished themselves in their military or civilian career.

The Hall of Fame honors graduates of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits. It provides a prestigious and tangible means of recognizing and honoring Army ROTC Alumni who have made lasting, significant contributions to the Nation, the Army and the history and traditions of the Army ROTC Program.

Read more about the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees.