Two University of North Georgia alumni were inducted into the 2023 Army ROTC National Hall of Fame, intended to honor Army ROTC graduates who have distinguished themselves in a military or civilian career.
Retired Col. Wayne Dill, ‘62, and Col. Ben Malcom, ‘50, were chosen by the U.S. Army Cadet Command for induction. UNG now has 11 total inductees in the ROTC Hall of Fame. Malcolm died Oct. 30 at age 94.
“The University of North Georgia Military Science Department is deeply honored that Col. Malcom and Col. Dill were chosen for induction into the ROTC Hall of Fame,” Col. Bryan Kirk, UNG professor of military science, said. “Their legacy continues to grow, and they are superb examples of the leaders of character produced through the University of North Georgia.”
Dill completed Infantry Officer’s Basic Course after graduating and was first assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. He commanded the 3rd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment in Fort Kobbe, and the 193rd Combat Support Battalion in the Panama Canal Zone. Dill served as the senior active-duty advisor to the 48th Infantry Army National Guard and later served as the director of Plans and Training and then director of Training and Doctrine at the Infantry Center and School.
Dill commanded two rifle companies and received two awards for valor during each tour in Vietnam. He received the Army Commendation Medal with V device for valor and Silver Star in 1966.
“An unforgettable memory was being recommended as a Distinguished Military Student by the U.S. Army at the end of camp based on my performance. The experience gained during my junior year in the corps [of cadets] made a difference,” Dill said. “UNG offered the platform of leadership. UNG truly produces leaders.”
Malcom was a Distinguished Military Graduate and was stationed in North Korea in 1952. After serving his country in two wars and for 29 years, Malcom retired from active duty in 1979.
He is widely credited for laying the foundation for the Green Berets through his unconventional warfare and clandestine operations in North Korea. In 1996 he co-authored “White Tigers: My Secret War in North Korea” with UNG instructor of history and journalism Ron Martz in 1996
Malcom was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, three Legend of Merit awards, 16 other medals and awards, a air assault badge and a parachute badge.
Malcom still credits UNG for preparing him for his years of service.
“North Georgia’s ROTC prepared me well for my 29 years of active duty, as I commanded two different training companies and two different battalions. " Malcom said. “I was well prepared to command the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division, and serve as the garrison commander, as well as serve six years in the Pentagon.”
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