Columbus, GA – June 15, 2026 – The U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame selected 12 distinguished individuals to be inducted to the Ranger Hall of Fame on June 24, 2026, 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 2026 inductees represent a diverse group of leaders whose service spans from WWII to modern-day operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
2026 Ranger Hall of Fame Inductees:
• GEN Daniel B. Allyn – General Allyn is a warrior-leader whose 36-year career exemplified the Ranger ethos. As a captain serving in South Korea, he sought assignment to the 75th Ranger Regiment and quickly proved himself as commander of Company C, 1st Ranger Battalion. He led the night combat parachute assault to seize Torrijos Airport during Operation Just Cause. He later commanded 3rd Ranger Battalion, leaving an enduring mark on the Regiment. Throughout his career, General Allyn embodied selfless service, combat valor, and unwavering commitment to the Ranger legacy, making him a truly deserving member of the Ranger Hall of Fame.
• SGM Colin M. Boley – Throughout his 26 years of service he continually led the way in all assignments and missions as a leader. Ranger Boley served more than 12 years in the 75th Ranger Regiment serving in many positions from Team Leader to 1SG with 15 combat deployments totaling more than 7 cumulative years in a combat environment throughout his career. SGM(R) Colin Boley has proven to be a competent and motivational leader of men always leading from the front and setting the example for Rangers to follow. He embodies what a true warrior should be, while serving a great nation in time of war.
• MG Clarence K.K. Chinn – Throughout a distinguished 36-year career, Ranger Chinn not only upheld but exemplified the Ranger Creed, demonstrating extraordinary leadership and an enduring commitment to the Ranger ethos. In every assignment, from Chief of Operations at SOCOM to DCG at USASOC, CG at JRTC & Fort Polk and Army South, Ranger Chinn’s professionalism, character, and leadership set the standard. His combat experience, mentorship, and leadership across Ranger and conventional forces shaped thousands of soldiers and left an enduring mark on Ranger history.
• GEN Richard D. Clarke – General (Ret.) Richard D. Clarke is inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame for distinguished and faithful service to our country, and for dedicating his life and career to the values set forth in the Ranger Creed. His military career spanned close to 40 years and included multiple combat deployments to Desert Storm, Joint Guardian, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, Inherent Resolve, New Dawn; spending more than five years deployed in support of combat operations. He played a fundamental role in securing the nation and its interest during a period of complex, volatile, and unpredictable threats from strategic competitors and violent extremist organizations. Gen. Clarke’s dynamic leadership, professional competence, and unyielding personal commitment was essential to the success of numerous missions of national importance and vital to the security of the United States of America.
• MAJ Peter Dencker – Ranger Dencker was commissioned Infantry from West Point in 1969 and volunteered for Vietnam. In August 1970 he was assigned as a platoon leader in 1/7th Cav. In December 1970, he reported to H/75th as the XO. From March 1971 till June 1972, he Commanded H/75th. His final assignment was teaching and coaching football at West Point. His awards include the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Bronze Star/w “V” (5 OLC), Army Commendation Medal/w “V ”(1 OLC), Air Medal/w “V” (7 OLC), numerous other US and foreign Awards. H/75th was the most decorated unit during the Vietnam conflict.
• COL Larry Perino – Recognized for serving our nation for 25 years and five months in a career defined by courage, leadership, and devotion to the Ranger Creed. On October 3–4, 1993, as a platoon leader with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, he led his Rangers during the Battle of Mogadishu as part of Task Force Ranger and Operation Gothic Serpent. Since retirement, Colonel Perino has continued to mentor Rangers, support alumni organizations, and share lessons from combat with today’s warriors. In 2021, he was awarded the Silver Star, presented in 2022 at Fort Benning, Georgia.
• MAJ Douglas Philippone – Recognized for his distinguished military career in the 75th Ranger Regiment in 1990 as an enlisted Anti-Tank Gunner in 1st Battalion. During his time in 3rd Ranger Battalion, Doug deployed four times to Afghanistan and Iraq. He led more than 100 direct action missions and earned three Bronze Star Medal awards, including two for valor, along with a Joint Service Commendation Medal for valor. Throughout his service, he embodied every stanza of the Ranger Creed.
• CSM Walter M. Rakow – Dedicated almost 50 years of service to his country on active duty, and as a civil servant, living the Ranger Creed every day. He held himself to the highest standards, whether on the field of battle or during peacetime. CSM Rakow’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to faith, family, and country. His “dynamic” personality and direct approach to leadership inspired countless generations of soldiers and leaders through his unwavering commitment to the Army, the mission, and to those with whom he served.
• SFC Matthew L. Rierson– Recognized for extraordinary service, exceptional leadership, and a lifelong embodiment of the Ranger Creed. Throughout his distinguished career, he demonstrated remarkable courage, tactical mastery, and unwavering commitment to his fellow Rangers and the nation. Sergeant First Class Rierson’s legacy endures through the Rangers he inspired, the standards he set, and the example he provided of what it means to move further, faster, and fight harder. His induction into the Ranger Hall of Fame honors a Ranger whose life and service reflect the highest traditions of the Regiment and the United States Army.
• GEN Stephen J. Townsend – Recognized for distinguished service to our nation, unparalleled leadership, and a lifetime devoted to the values of the Ranger Creed. Throughout four decades of service, General Townsend always strived to live up to the charge of Abram’s Charter to the Rangers by demonstrating unwavering dedication to excellence and setting a steadfast personal example of courage, integrity, and honor. His exceptional leadership reflects the highest traditions of the Rangers, the United States Army, and the United States Department of Defense.
• Blair Brown (Honorary) – Celebrated for more than a decade of exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the U.S. Army Ranger community through his role as Vice President and Executive Director of the National Ranger Memorial Foundation. Blair’s service is also deeply personal, shaped by the example of his father, Major Roger Brown, a 2004 inductee of the Ranger Hall of Fame. His sustained contributions reflect exceptional dedication, integrity, and impact in direct support of the Ranger community.
• Candyss Bryant (Honorary) – Celebrated for her extraordinary contributions to the Ranger community. A distinguished nonprofit leader and steadfast advocate, she brings nearly three decades of experience in development, operations, and stakeholder engagement. Bryant has served the Ranger community with unwavering dedication, consistently giving “100% and then some.” Her selfless service, disciplined work ethic, and commitment to excellence embody the spirit of the Ranger Creed. As President of the Ranger Legacy Foundation, Bryant leads the vision and development of the Ranger Legacy Center, a transformative initiative dedicated to preserving the history ad inspiring future generations of the values, and enduring legacy of our Rangers.
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.