ALx Legacy Leaders

Learn the Army’s history one leader at a time.  

Since its establishment in 1775, U.S. Army Soldiers, Families and Army Civilians have supported our nation, bearing true faith and allegiance to the country, the U.S. Constitution, the Army, their units, and fellow team members. The Legacy Leaders profiled here made an indelible & lasting impact and left something of enduring quality and value through heroic actions, driving change, and/or inspiring and empowering others. 

 What’s included is only a fragment of their whole story and so we encourage you to read more.  

Submit additional legacy leaders here.   

Expand the "Filter by Category" feature below to see leaders who match a specific category of interest.

Jimmy Akuna

1st Sgt., U.S. Army

1SG Akuna's tutelage motivated cadets to better themselves, better the community and better the world.  His students went on to attend West Point, become officers and NCOs in the military, join law enforcement, become teachers, business leaders and productive members of society.

Read more

Fox Conner

Maj. General, U.S. Army

"In sheer ability and character, he was the outstanding soldier of my time." -Gen. Eisenhower

Read more

Charity Adams Earley

Lt. Col., U.S. Army

For her service during World War II, Adams was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel, the highest possible rank a woman could obtain within the WAC.

Read more

David M. Gonzalez

Pfc., U.S. Army

Pfc. Gonzales' valiant and intrepid conduct exemplifies the highest traditions of military service..

Read more

Anna Mae Hayes

Brig. Gen., U.S. Army

"I joined during World War II. The papers were full of stories about individuals serving their country. I, too, wanted to serve my country.“

Read more

Robert B. Hood

Namesake of Fort Hood

Col. Hood was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for “extraordinary heroism” during WWI while serving with 2d Division near Thiaucourt, France. Then Cpt. Hood brought the battery into action under fire, superintended the placing of guns and unloading of the ammo, and directed the battery’s fire amid intense shelling. With his gun crew lost to enemy fire, he formed a supplementary gun squad and restored combat capability.

Read more

Henry J. Hunt

Brevet Brig. Gen., U.S. Army

“…a great Chief of Artillery, unsurpassed in American history.”

Read more

Hazel W. Johnson-Brown

Brig.Gen., U.S. Army

"Her leadership qualities were evident early in her career, earning her respect and admiration among peers and superiors alike. As she rose through the ranks, Johnson-Brown’s commitment to excellence and equality became the hallmark of her leadership style."

Read more

Henry Johnson

Sgt., U.S. Army

Recipient of France’s Croix du Guerre with a Gold Palm for extraordinary valor.

Read more

Carlos J. Lozada

Pfc., U.S. Army

"Pfc. Lozada remained in an exposed position and continued to pour deadly fire upon the enemy despite the urgent pleas of his comrades to withdraw."
 

Read more

Rick Rescorla

Col., U.S. Army

“Thousands of civilians in New York lived because of Rick, just as Soldiers in Ia Drang lived because of him.”

Read more

Matthew Ridgeway

CSA, U.S. Army (1953 - 1955)

"Few other generals better describe how best to translate strategic guidance into an operational approach."

Read more

Clifford C. Sims

Staff Sgt., U.S. Army

“SSG Sims made the greatest sacrifice a soldier can make … and no mark of tribute can be too great.”

Read more

Emory Upton

Brevet Maj. Gen., U.S. Army

“Incontestably the best tactician of either army.”

Read more

Charles Young

Brig. Gen., U.S. Army

"The thing to be desired above all others is confidence in one's self..." - Charles Young

Read more