Maj. Gen. Milton A. Reckord

A 1950 recipient of the Legion's Distinguished Service Medal, Reckord had a career that spanned the Mexican Expedition, World War I and World War II.

As adjutant general of Maryland's National Guard for nearly 46 years, Reckord was a strong advocate of universal military training, convinced that well-trained units would be better suited for battle if called upon for active duty.

Accepting his medal from Past National Commander Warren H. Atherton, Reckord kept his eyes fixed on the Cold War and its potential battles. "Strength, military and economic strength, is the only thing Stalin and his cohorts understand," Reckord told Legionnaires. "My comrades, if we would be free, we must keep America strong!"

Growing up, Reckord was anxious to enlist, but obeying his mother's wishes, he held off until 21.

He quickly went from private to sergeant to captain. In 1906, at 26, he was promoted to major. A decade later, he served in World War I, moving up in the ranks to lieutenant colonel, colonel and brigadier general.

His career with the National Guard was interrupted by World War II and active duty. After the war, he went back to serve as adjutant general of the Guard until retiring in 1966 at 86. Reckord died in 1975, at 95.

In his honor, the Reckord Trophy is annually awarded to the Army National Guard battalion that achieves the highest standards of training and readiness.

For more on Reckord, click here (http://www.lib.umd.edu/archivesum/actions.DisplayEADDoc.do?source=MdU.ea...).