48th IBCT Hall of Fame:
Homage to the past celebrates the future of the Macon Volunteers

Spc. Tracy J. Smith
48th IBCT PAO

CORDELE, Ga. – Many march to the tune of a different drummer but it is the cadence of those that marched before that shaped the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldier of today. The introduction of the 48th IBCT Hall of Fame pays homage to the standards of bravery and honor set by the fearless Volunteer Soldiers of Georgia and the pure grit of the 48th’s Warfighter legacy.

The first induction ceremony presented the Class of 2008 during the Georgia Volunteers Infantry Ball, April 12, 2008, at the Lake Blackshear Resort. The celebration of the history of the brigade incorporated a formality that encouraged camaraderie, and recognized the challenges of duality of purpose as Soldiers and Patriot Citizens dating back to 1825, and the creation of the Macon Volunteers Georgia Militia.

In an emotional exchange, the current 48th IBCT (L) Command Sergeant Major Michael Hurndon inducts and congratulates his predecessor, James Nelson, into the inaugural 48th Infantry Hall of Fame, April 12. Nelson led the brigade as senior enlisted leadership during Operation Iraqi Freedom 3.5. Hurndon lead the charge in 2009 when the brigade mobilizes and deploys to Afghanistan. (Photo by Spc. Tracy J. Smith, 48th IBCT (L) PAO)

Colonel Lee Durham, the 48th IBCT commander, introduced the first inductee, a former mayor of Macon and the Macon Volunteers founder, Isaac G. Seymour, with 48th IBCT (L) Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Hurndon, brigade command sergeant major, assisting with the introduction honors.

Hurndon personally honored the contributions of his predecessor, Command Sgt. Maj. James Nelson who led the brigade during a tour of combat operations in Iraq, 2005-2006, with the presentation of the Order of Volunteers Medallion.

“The patch on the left shoulder of our 48th Soldier represents a commitment to the embodiment of our Soldier Values,” Hurndon said of the patche’s creation. “Many of our Soldiers are privileged to wear the lightning bolt as their combat patch. I look forward to the day I, and all our brigade Soldiers, can proudly place it on our right shoulder, as well, showing a commitment to sustainment of a tradition honoring those who set the standard on the battlefield.”

Governor Sonny Perdue was presented the distinguished Order of the Volunteers Medallion and a certificate of acceptance as an inaugural honorary inductee. The private presentation ceremony, in the office of the state of Georgia’s 81st governor, recognized Perdue’s contributions to the Brigade, not only as the state Department of Defense’s commander-in-chief, but as a friend and supporter of the men and women who volunteer as Patriots for freedom. Perdue made a personal commitment to ensure each Soldier was given their benefits as combat veterans upon their return from Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006 and he made good on his promise during visits to the Soldier’s in Iraq that each would have a job, if desired, upon their return home.

Joking that his nomination must have been by secret ballot, Perde’s prideful expression spoke volumes as he accepted the award making him part of Macon Volunteers history.

“I will treasure this, and I am very proud of this award,” Perdue said to the small assemblage. “It is an honor.”

Nominees are selected impartially, according to the Order of the Volunteers by-laws, and will be based solely on contributions and affiliations to the 48th Brigade and its mission.

48th IBCT Hall of Fame Class of 2008 (in order of presentation):

Isaac G. Seymour – founder Macon Volunteers and former Mayor of Macon

Staff Sgt. Thomas Wier – placed on the Confederate Roll of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Chickamauga

General George Pierce Doles – enlisted in the 4th Georgia Infantry shortly after secession in 1861

Staff Sgt. John W. Winick – Company I, 121 Infantry. Led a small group through a minefield in Hurtgen Forest to silence enemy machine gun emplacements.

Brig. Gen. Terrell Reddick – former 78th Troop Command commander and deputy commander Georgia Army National Guard.

Maj. Gen. James ‘Don’ Davis – First Georgia Military Institute graduate to attain the rank of General and retired with more than 40 years of service.

Maj. Gen. William T. Nesbitt – Former commander 48th Infantry Brigade and currently Adjutant General of Georgia.

Col. (Ret.) Ricky Nessmith – successfully merged two unique artillery batteries to form the 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment.

Command Sgt. Maj. James Nelson – former 48th BCT command sergeant major who, as senior staff NCO, led the brigade during their deployment.

Governor Sonny Purdue – honorary inductee for his unparallel support of the 48th IBCT(L) and the Georgia Army National Guard, not only as the commander-in-chief but also as a patriot.