Three Ranger Hall of Fame members CSM (Ret.) Gerald Klein (2012), Paul Voorhees (2004), and GEN (Ret.) Vincent K. Brooks (2021) have each been honored with the Doughboy Award — the U.S. Army Infantry Branch’s highest recognition.
A 1980 West Point graduate, GEN Brooks made history as the first African American First Captain of the Corps of Cadets. Over a 42-year career, he commanded at every level, culminating as Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, Combined Forces Command, and United Nations Command. His leadership, vision, and devotion to soldiers embody the Infantry’s highest ideals.
CSM Klein’s career extended far beyond the Ranger community, fulfilling GEN Creighton Abrams’ vision for the modern-day Ranger Battalions: leaders of Ranger quality strengthening Army units with integrity and strength. He remains an icon and example emulated across the U.S. Army.
Paul Voorhees
Known as the embodiment of “Selfless Sacrifice,” and founder of Ranger Joe’s, serving the military and law enforcement communities since 1963, Chaplain Paul Voorhees has dedicated himself to his Ranger brothers and their families at Fort Benning and around the world. He upheld “the prestige and honor of Army Rangers,” never failing his comrades and always giving 100%.
The National Ranger Memorial Foundation was one of the sponsors of this year’s Doughboy Award Ceremony, honoring extraordinary leaders who exemplify sacrifice, service, and legacy. The awards were presented on September 9 at the National Infantry Museum in Columbus, Georgia.
The Doughboy Award is presented annually to recognize an individual for outstanding contributions to the United States Army Infantry. The award is presented on behalf of all Infantrymen past and present. The term “Doughboy” originated in Texas, where soldiers trained along the Rio Grande in preparation for WWI. The Soldiers became covered in the dusty, white adobe soil and were called “adobes” by mounted troops. Over time, this term transitioned to become doughboys…