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CW5(R) Willie Melvin Dickens Obituary

To Our Members:
The Ordnance Corps Association recently learned that our 2018 Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame member, CW5(R) Willie Melvin Dickens, passed away on August 12th, 2025 and that Graveside services were held on August 20th, 2025.

Please take a moment to read CW5 (R) Dickens’ obituary and keep his family in your prayers.

Respectfully
CW5 (R) David R. Cassity
Association President
CW4 (R) Chester H. Morris
Association Director

Read Obituary

The Ordnance Corps held the 2025 Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on 5 May 2025 at Fort Gregg-Adams VA.

The Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame was established in 1969 to recognize and memorialize persons who have made a positive, significant contribution to the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps.  Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has grown not only in membership, but also in its value to the Ordnance Corps. In addition to giving permanent recognition to those personnel who have made significant contributions to the Ordnance mission of the U.S. Army, it preserves a substantial amount of historical information about the Ordnance Corps and its distinguished contributors.

The 2025 Class of Members included:

The Ordnance Corps Association congratulates the newest members of the Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame!
  • BG Michelle M.T. Letcher (not present)
  • COL Michael J. Bacino
  • COL James C. King
  • CW5 Ray M. Noble
  • Mr. Albert L.G. DeBey (Mrs. Sonja Alcon NOK)
  • COL John P. Chadbourne
  • COL Michael S. Donovan
  • COL Patricia A. Sellers
  • CW5 Julian A. Evans III (spouse CW4 (R) Josie Evans NOK)
  • CW5 Arland W. Jackson
  • CW5 Leonard R. Levy
  • CSM Scott M. Weimer
Click HERE to view Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame Members inducted by year.
May 22nd, 2024
The Association President presents The Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe to BG Samuel L. (Luke) Peterson – Program Executive Officer CombatSupport & Combat Service Support (PEO CS&CSS)  and to members of the team serving in Project Manager Transportation Systems (PM TS).  PEO CS&CSS is responsible for the life cycle of approximately 20% of the Army’s total equipment programs spanning the Engineer, Maneuver, Ordnance, Quartermaster, and Transportation portfolios.   This award presentation recognized the PEOs effort and contribution to modernize the Army’s PATRIOT Air-Defense missile system.   

 

The US Army Ordnance Corps Association congratulates Harold (Hal) Ernest, USA Major Retired, on his second retirement and award of the Ordnance Order of Samuel Sharpe.  Our very own 33rd Chief of Ordnance, MG (R) Vincent Boles, was on hand to present the Samuel Sharpe to Hal at his retirement luncheon held on Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.   Hal began his Ordnance career in 1983 graduating from the University of Tennessee and served in many organizations and locations to include Hawaii and Germany where he deployed as a Company Commander to Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm before transitioning to the Army Acquisition Corps.   Retiring from the Army in 2005, Hal began his second career with the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) South Region where he served another 19 years as a DAU Professor.  Congratulations Hal and thank you for your 41 years of immaculate service to our Nation, Army, and Soldiers.  You are the epitome of a Professional!!

Our Mission:

The Ordnance Corps Association (OCA) is a non-profit organization with the mission of promoting, enhancing and preserving the legacy of the third largest branch in the U.S. Army. The OCA supports the development, production, acquisition and support of weapon systems, ammunition, munitions/missiles, and maintenance support materiel. The OCA focuses special attention on the role of the Ordnance Corps and its Soldiers in the execution of their core competencies building Army strategic readiness and sustaining land warfare dominance.
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