On April 17, 2024, the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) celebrated the induction of 18 former special operators into the Commando Hall of Honor at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. The ceremony, attended by over 100 people, included the presentation of medals to the inductees by U.S. Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, USSOCOM commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Shorter, USSOCOM’s command senior enlisted leader.
The Commando Hall of Honor, established in 2010 by Admiral Eric T. Olson, former USSOCOM Commander, recognizes individuals who have served with distinction within the Special Operations Forces community. This year’s inductees included Medal of Honor recipients from various branches of the military, highlighting the cross-service nature of USSOCOM’s operations.
Among the Medal of Honor inductees were Vice Adm. John Duncan Bulkeley, Lt. j.g. (SEAL) Joseph R. Kerrey, Petty Officer Second Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor, LT. (SEAL) Michael P. Murphy, Lt. (SEAL) Thomas R. Norris, Seaman David G. Ouellet, Lt. Cdr. Arthur M. Preston, Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Britt Kelly Slabinski, and Lt. (SEAL) Michael E. Thornton. Their heroic actions and service were recognized as embodying the highest values of military service and special operations.
In addition to the Medal of Honor recipients, the ceremony honored other special operators whose careers were marked by exceptional service and dedication. These included Air Force Col. Stephen L. Baker, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Lewis H. Burruss, U.S. Army Col. Jerry M. King, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Craig S. Kozeniesky, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Wesley H. Rice, U.S. Navy Capt. William M. Shepherd, U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Peter Stalik, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. William P. Tangney, and U.S. Air Force Lt Gen. Marshall B. Webb.
Lt. Gen. Marshall B. Webb, one of the inductees, reflected on the significance of the ceremony, noting that it spanned generations, reaching back to World War II. He shared his personal honor in joining the ranks of such esteemed company, emphasizing the profound legacy these individuals have left for the special operations community.
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