Grange, Terry inducted into ROTC Hall of Fame

September 15, 2021

Two retired generals who are University of North Georgia (UNG) alumni are among the 2021 Army ROTC Hall of Fame inductees.

Retired Brig. Gen. David Grange, '69, and retired Lt. Gen. James Terry, '78, both pointed to their time at UNG as laying the foundation for their long and decorated Army careers. Each commissioned into the Army's infantry branch from UNG.

"You learn how to lead when you're in the Corps of Cadets," Terry said. "You can't help but do so. That set me on the course I'm on today."

Grange, who served in Vietnam, said his time in Dahlonega reaped tangible benefits for his soldiers in the midst of war.

"In Vietnam, what I learned at UNG helped keep me and my soldiers alive," Grange said.

A ceremony for Grange, Terry and the other inductees will be held at a later date due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Military Science Department at UNG is excited that our two nominations were selected this year into the Army ROTC Hall of Fame," Col. Bryan Kirk, UNG's professor of military science, said. "Both men continued to develop and lead our nation's soldiers with distinction throughout their storied careers, and both leaders continue to be huge advocates and supporters of UNG's Corps of Cadets." 

Grange, who served in the Army for 30 years, deployed to Vietnam in November 1970. He saw significant combat action as a second lieutenant assigned to the 101st Airborne's Lima Company, 75th Rangers. Grange was awarded his first Silver Star while attached to the 2nd/17th Cavalry.

As a first lieutenant in 1972, Grange was an adviser to the Vietnamese Airborne Division where he distinguished himself in combat. He received the Second Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry in action. He retired from active duty in 1999.

Terry commanded at every level in the Army from rifle platoon leader to theater Army commander. His culminating assignment was as commanding general for U.S. Army Central, and during that time he also served as the Combined Joint Task Force commander to counter ISIS. He retired in January 2016 after over 37 years of active-duty service. Terry commanded A Company, 2-327th Infantry (Air Assault); 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry; 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division; the 10th Mountain Division, and the U.S. Army's V Corps. Terry was assistant professor of military science and assistant commandant at UNG from 1987-1990.

The ROTC Hall of Fame was established in 2016 as part of the ROTC Centennial celebration. The Hall of Fame honors graduates of Army ROTC who have distinguished themselves in military or civilian pursuits. UNG now has six inductees, including retired Lt. Gen. Burton Patrick, '57, Mr. Bob Mathews, '71, retired Maj. Gen. Alan "Bud" Thrasher, '72, and retired Col. James "Tom" Palmer, '73.