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Five University of North Georgia (´óÏó´«Ã½) alumni are part of the 14-member class of 2024 inductees into the Georgia Military Veterans' Hall of Fame, and ´óÏó´«Ã½ alumni now account for 27 of the 191 inductees since the Hall of Fame started in 2013. The induction was held Nov. 2 in the St. Luke Ministry Center in Columbus, Georgia.

This year's inductees from ´óÏó´«Ã½ include retired Lt. Gen. James Terry '78, retired Brig. Gen. Fred Wilbur Collins '35, retired Col. John Terrell Lawrence II '66, retired Col. Richard Harry Taylor '66, and retired Capt. Ralph C. Colley '66. Terry was inducted for achievement and the other four for valor. Colley, Collins, Lawrence, and Taylor are all being inducted posthumously.

Terry serves as senior vice president and superintendent of ´óÏó´«Ã½'s Cadet Leadership Academy, a role he began in June.

"For 151 years, the University of North Georgia Corps of Cadets has delivered leaders of character for our nation who understand selfless service. When I look at the short biographies of my fellow alumni of our Corps of Cadets and their selfless and valorous actions while leading in combat, I find myself humbled to be inducted alongside them," Terry said. "If they could speak, and I know Col. John Lawrence personally, I am certain they would credit our legendary Corps of Cadets for being foundational in their learning how to lead. That’s what we do: produce leaders of character. And that’s what we must do for the future of our nation."

Throughout his distinguished military career, Terry commanded at every level from rifle platoon leader to theater army. He led soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines from multiple nations in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. After retiring from the U.S. Army in January 2016 at the rank of lieutenant general, he transitioned to the U.S. defense industry, serving as senior vice president for strategy and business development at Cubic Defense since August 2016 prior to returning to ´óÏó´«Ã½.

During the Normandy invasion in World War II, Collins was the executive officer of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, and landed with the assault forces on D-Day at Utah Beach. In August 1944, he assumed command of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, and participated in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Ardennes campaigns. Collins' awards in his 32-year Army career include the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Croix de Guerre, and many other awards and decorations. He also earned the Combat Infantry Badge.

Lawrence was recognized twice for heroism while serving in Vietnam. During his 27-year Army career, Lawrence was awarded the Silver Star, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, seven air medals, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star medal, and many other awards and decorations. He also earned the master parachutist badge and was a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School.

Taylor served in posts in the United States and around the world, including two tours in Vietnam, one as a Vietnamese infantry battalion advisor during the TET Offensive of 1968, and again