Tom Hanks Scores Military Honor

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

30 Jun 2006 07:08 AM

It didn't have a name like Oscar, Tony, or Emmy, but for actor Tom Hanks, the recent award presented to him by the U.S. military, is just as special.

Thursday night Hanks was named an honorary member of the U.S. Army's Ranger Hall of Fame for his "accurate portrayal of a World War II Army Ranger company commander" in the movie "Saving Private Ryan" and for his "continued commitment to honoring those who served in the war." He becomes the first actor to receive such an honor.

In addition to his role in "Saving Private Ryan," Hanks was recognized for his service to other military related projects. Over the years, Hanks has not only served as the national spokesman for the World War II Memorial Campaign, he has also spent time as the honorary chairman of the D-Day Museum Capital Campaign. The military also recognized Hanks for his role in writing and helping to produce the Emmy Award-winning miniseries, "Band of Brothers." Unfortunately, Hanks was unable to attend the induction ceremony.

To receive the honor you must first be nominated by the Army's elite Ranger units and regimental associations. (Each year only a small number of Ranger Hall of Fame candidates are nominated.) All the candidates (save for honorary inductees like Hanks) must be graduates of the Army's grueling Ranger School at Fort Benning, or at the very least, they have to have served in a Ranger unit. Once nominated, a selection board then scrutinizes the candidates.

Joining the Academy Award-winning Hanks, were 17 other inductees-"mostly career soldiers, ranging from generals to sergeants." The only civilian (besides Hanks) was U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall (who represents districts in the state of Georgia). Marshall is a decorated Vietnam War veteran, Ranger school graduate and member of the House Armed Services Committee.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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