REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, commander, U.S. Army Materiel Command marked AMC's 50th anniversary by inducting five former employees into the inaugural AMC Hall of Fame Aug. 1 at AMC Headquarters, here.

The ceremony was established to honor and memorialize former civilian and military personnel who have made significant and lasting contributions to Army Materiel Command and the U.S. Army, giving employees a sense of heritage, honor, pride and belonging.

"It is vital that we honor the contributions of those who paved the way for AMC," said Col. Dan Williams, Director of Public and Congressional Affairs. "Our history is marked by the selfless actions of the men and women whose efforts created an enduring commitment to supporting the warfighter."

Family members and an AMC representative were on-hand to accept the award on behalf of the individuals who were inducted posthumously.

Gen. Frank S. Besson, Jr., AMC Founder and Commanding General 1962-1969

Lt. Gen. William B. Bunker, AMC Deputy Commanding General, 1962 -- 1969

Lt. Gen. George R. Sammet, Jr., Deputy Commanding General, AMC 1973 -- 1977, Commanding General, AMC Feb. 1977 -- May 1977

Maj. Gen. John G. Zierdt, Project Manager / CG, US Army Missile Command, 1960 -- 1967

Sarah W. Clements, AMC Assistant Chief of the Office of Project Management, 1964 -- 1975

A special selection board chose the five inductees, who contributed significantly to the evolution and definition of AMC doctrine, mission and/or training.

Dunwoody extended her thanks to the Soldiers, civilians and family members for their sacrifice and support.

"I wish I could personally shake the hands of everyone who made this day possible," said Dunwoody.

She went on to acknowledge how the workforce's commitment to excellence is a vital component in making AMC the global logistics command, while providing real-time readiness for Department of Army.

Following the induction, members of the AMC staff presented items for inclusion in a 50th anniversary time capsule. Contributed items included a roster of current AMC Soldiers and Civilians, as well as a list of prices of popular consumer items. The time capsule will remain closed for another 50 years.

The 50th celebration continued with AMC hosting a family day and open house. AMC staff and family members enjoyed a barbeque and toured the facility.

AMC was activated Aug. 1, 1962. At the time, the command consisted of 190,000 people; more than 250 installations, activities, arsenals and laboratories; an inventory of weapons and equipment worth $23.5 billion, with an annual budget of $7.5 billion and was housed at what is now Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

For more information on the history of Army Materiel Command visit www.amc.army.mil