U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame Honors 2025 Inductees for Exemplary Service

Jun 13

Columbus, GA – June, 2025 – The U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame selected 15 distinguished individuals to be inducted to the Ranger Hall of Fame on June 25, 2025, during a ceremony held at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Established in 1992, the Ranger Hall of Fame honors those who have demonstrated extraordinary valor, leadership, and commitment to the Ranger Creed. The 2025 inductees represent a diverse group of leaders whose service spans from WWII to modern-day operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

2025 Ranger Hall of Fame Inductees:

GEN Austin S. Miller – Throughout his 38 years of service to our country, GEN Miller maintained an unwavering dedication to excellence and steadfast personal example of courage, integrity, and honor. His military career included multiple combat deployments to Honduras, Somalia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, Iraq, and other places around the globe. Through the years, he commanded multiple Special Operation Task Forces in combat throughout the Middle East and South Asia. His exceptional leadership and service are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Ranger Creed.
COL Michael Foster – Honored for distinguished service throughout his entire career with the 75th Ranger Regiment and the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). In 2002, COL Foster deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in support of the initial invasion. Subsequently, Ranger Foster returned to the 3rd Ranger Battalion where he would command Joint Special Operations Task Forces in both Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and OIF. From 2005 to 2008, COL Foster served as a JIATF Director at JSOC, again leading Rangers and SOF units in the search for High Value Targets in the GWOT.
COL Henrik O. Lunde – Celebrated for distinguishing himself in Operation Bu Gai Map on May 11,1966. Tasked as ground force commander for Task Force Brown— Lunde orchestrated a masterful battle plan. His strategy leveraged artillery, air power, and B-52 strikes from Guam to target enemy command and control, fortifications, and communications. The operation resulted in minimal U.S. casualties and is considered one of the most successful in 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division history. Ranger Lunde’s valor is reflected in his numerous combat decorations, including six Silver Stars, a Bronze Star with “V,” a Distinguished Flying Cross, four Bronze Stars with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and a Purple Heart.
CPT Ralph E. Goranson – Acknowledged for always leading from front, earning the respect of all from Colonel Rudder through the enlisted ranks. Captain Goranson landed at "H" hour on D-Day with the initial assault wave in the invasion of France, in the face of heavy automatic enfilading fire from three different directions and mortar and artillery fire from cliffs overlooking the beach. In spite of extremely heavy casualties, Captain Goranson calmly and courageously reorganized his company and led them in a successful assault upon the enemy positions. For his actions on 6 June 1944 on Omaha Beach he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
CPT Robert S. Brewer, Jr. – Commended for his valorous service during multiple combat tours and his role in developing Ranger training programs. In 1970 he was involved in a 15-hour long firefight against a superior force of North Vietnamese Army troops. Because of his actions Ranger Brewer was awarded the Silver Star. In recognition of his efforts during numerous enemy contacts in support of the Vietnamese Airborne Division he was awarded: 2 Bronze Stars, 2 Air Medals (one with "V" device), the CIB, and various Vietnamese medals, including the Cross of Gallantry and Vietnamese Airborne Wings.
CSM James D. Pippin – Recognized for his service and embodiment if the Ranger Creed throughout his career in the 75th Ranger Regiment. Ranger Pippin’s career began in 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment where he served as a Rifle Team Leader prior to his company’s parachute assault into Rio Hato Airfield in Panama. The events of September 11, 2001, found Pippin deploying the first elements of 75th Ranger Regiment in support of the Global War on Terror and ultimately parachuting into Southern Afghanistan. He is the only Ranger to have conducted three combat parachute assaults in the history of modern day 75th Ranger Regiment.
CSM George D. Ponder – From Private Ponder to Regimental Command Sergeant Major to Division/Post Command Sergeant Major, George Dee Ponder has lived and epitomized the Ranger Creed and Abrams Charter. His career has spanned more than 30 years, and he is still serving as a Range Support Supervisor and as a volunteer co-chair with the Fort Sill retiree council. He has devoted his adult life to the betterment of our Army and our Nation.
SGM Tyson Nick – Respected for having served in every enlisted duty position within an Airborne Ranger Rifle Company, Ranger Nick began his career with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He took part in a combat parachute assault into Torrijos/Tocumen International Airport, Republic of Panama, during Operation Just Cause. In 1991, he deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Storm and shortly thereafter participated in a parachute jump into Kuwait as part of Operation Iris Gold. After retiring in 2012 following 24 years of distinguished service, Ranger Nick was tragically killed in action while repelling an enemy attack in Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
MSG Anthony Paul Nunley – Acknowledged for his leadership and dedication to the Ranger community. MSG Nunley twice parachuted into combat while serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment over nearly a decade. His combat jumps were during Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, and later in Operation Just Cause in Panama. His experience gained in combat benefited his Soldiers in Alaska as an Arctic Paratrooper and again later as a First Sergeant in the Mountain Phase of Ranger School. While mentoring Ranger Students and his Company of Senior Ranger Cadre he gained the admiration and respect of everyone he encountered.
MSG Jose E. G. Gordon – Recognized for his exemplary service and commitment to Ranger values. Ranger Gordon served 21 years of active-duty service to our country. During that time Jose conducted two combat parachute assaults as a member of A Co, 1st Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry during “Operation Urgent Fury” in the daring operation to rescue American medical students, and as a member of C Co, 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, “Operation Just Cause” the 1989 invasion of Panama as well as deploying and conducting several other real world contingency operations in Central America and the Middle East.
MSG Robert Horrigan – Honored for his significant contributions to Ranger operations and training. MSG Horrigan was a committed solider who served 19-1/2 years with Special Operation Units. Robert started his military career with the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment and went on to join the 7th Special Forces. Ranger Horrigan earned multiple awards and decorations throughout his service to include Bronze Stars with Valor Device, Purple Heart and the Legion of Merit. Robert is instrumental even after his death. A new helmet and pelvic tourniquet were designed due to the injuries he had received; it’s being used on the battlefield today.
SSG Kenneth Thomas – Celebrated for his leadership and service within the Ranger Regiment. In the crucible of Operation Gothic Serpent, October 1993, Ranger Thomas demonstrated extraordinary leadership during one of the most intense urban battles in recent U.S. military history. His actions earned him the Bronze Star with V device, but more importantly, exemplified the Ranger ethos that mission and teammates come first. He is a nationally recognized speaker and entertainer. Ranger Thomas's unique ability to bridge the military and civilian worlds has amplified the Ranger story to unprecedented audiences.
SGT Alfred Charles Stewart, Jr. – Celebrated for demonstrating what it means to be a Ranger for Life, choosing this ethos in all facets of what he does and represents. Whether on the field of battle, or by making our communities and country safer. Ranger Stewart is a highly decorated and respected combat Team Leader of a LRRP team serving in the Republic of Vietnam. Ranger Stewart volunteered to extend his stay in Vietnam as a mini gunner on a Night Hawk. His helicopter was shot down on three occasions. Ranger Stewart was recognized for additional accomplishments while directly serving during the Global War on Terrorism in Lebanon, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
SGT Robert Edward Foti – Recognized for endeavoring to honor his commitment to freedom, democracy, and liberty. He was instrumental as a Ranger serving in the 74th Long Range Patrol Detachment and N Company (Ranger) 75th Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade (Sep) and has lived the Ranger Creed every day. His willingness to assist in fighting against communist insurgents took him to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. He was awarded the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge. Upon his return home, he instructed marksmanship, tactics, and security operations to National, State, County and Local Law Enforcement.
SGT Thomas N. Sove – Honored for his service with Company K (Ranger), 75th Infantry (Airborne) in Vietnam, Ranger Sove demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership. As a Scout, Assistant Team Leader, and eventually Team Leader, he led reconnaissance and ambush missions with precision and bravery, ensuring mission success in high-risk environments. Following his military career, Ranger Sove distinguished himself through decades of dedicated service to the 75th Ranger Regiment Association.
The Ranger Hall of Fame ceremony underscores the enduring legacy of the Ranger community and its commitment to excellence, leadership, and service.
About the Ranger Hall of Fame:
The Ranger Hall of Fame was established to honor and preserve the contributions of America's most extraordinary Rangers. Inductees are selected based on their distinguished service and embodiment of the Ranger Creed.
For more information, please visit Ranger Legacy Foundation.

Media Contact:
Candyss Bryant
RHOF Coordinator
706-718-9520
rangerlegacyfoundation@gmail.com