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.

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Fox Conner

Maj. General, U.S. Army

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

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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.

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David M. Gonzalez

Pfc., U.S. Army

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

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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.“

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Henry J. Hunt

Brevet Brig. Gen., U.S. Army

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

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Harold K. Johnson

Chief of Staff, U.S. Army (1964-1968)

"His integrity carried him through difficult times."

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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."

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Henry Johnson

Sgt., U.S. Army

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

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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."
 

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George F. Mills

Sgt., U.S. Army

"I wouldn't want to do it again, but for my country I would."

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Riley Leroy Pitts

Cpt., U.S. Army

“Without his leadership, everyone would have completely fell apart.”

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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.”

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Matthew Ridgeway

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

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

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Tibor "Ted" Rubin

Cpl., U.S. Army

He survived a concentration camp during WWII and later as a POW during the Korean War. 

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Elizabeth Schenck Smith

Family Member, U.S. Army

The daughter and wife of Army officers, her legacy lives on through the Spouse club. 

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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.”

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Emory Upton

Brevet Maj. Gen., U.S. Army

“Incontestably the best tactician of either army.”

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Mary Edwards Walker

Surgeon, U.S. War Department

Dr. Mary Walker helped change the face of medicine during the Civil War. 

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Charles Young

Brig. Gen., U.S. Army

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

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