The U.S. Army Military Police Corps Regimental Hall of Fame Ceremony

Military Police, April, 2004

The Military Police Corps Regiment's Hall of Fame Ceremony was held at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, on 23 September 2003, during the 62d Anniversary Celebration. The Hall of Fame event is a time-honored tradition, distinguishing leaders, both military and civilian, for their contributions to the Military Police Corps and the nation.

Due to the large number of requests to attend the Military Police School commandant's luncheon, a small event traditionally held before the formal induction ceremony, this year's induction was transformed into a banquet ceremony. More than 237 friends and family enjoyed lunch together at the Pershing Community Club while the jazz ensemble from the 399th Army Band provided entertainment. During the induction ceremony, Colonel Patrick R. Lowrey (Retired) was inducted by Colonel Frank Cohn (Retired); Major Frank L. Ribich Jr. (Retired) was inducted by Mr. Tom Weems; and Mrs. Gloria Hill was on hand for the posthumous induction of her husband, Colonel Glen A. Hill (Retired), by Colonel Jonathan Van Horn (Retired).

The formal ceremony was followed by the traditional photograph-hanging ceremony in the Hall of Fame Wing of the Military Police Corps Regimental Museum. It was a simple event, attended by the honorees, their families, and some of their closest friends. The day's events ended with the 62d Anniversary Regimental Review.

Nomination packets for the Hall of Fame selection board must arrive at the U.S. Army Military Police School no later than 1 June of each year to be eligible. For information on the requirements and the process for nominating a Hall of Fame member, see page 7.

Hall of Fame Inductees--2003

Colonel Patrick R. Lowrey (Retired) Service Career: 1953 to 1979

Colonel Lowrey's distinguished Army career spanned more than 25 years of faithful service, including combat service in Vietnam. His contributions had a profound impact on the Military Police Corps and today's Army. During a time of constrained resources in the 1970s post-Vietnam drawdown, the Military Police Corps was viewed as a costly organization--one maybe no longer required. But Colonel Lowrey reasoned with Army leaders, and his professional knowledge, balance of thought, and analytical fairness were crucial in the final decision to retain the Corps. While serving as the detachment provost marshal, Colonel Lowrey was responsible for establishing an excellent relationship with both the Philadelphia Metropolitan Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His efforts raised the prestige of the Provost Marshal Office; he was regarded as a law enforcement professional with great tact and diplomacy. Colonel Lowrey, while assigned as the acting chief of the Policy Branch, was involved in rewriting the Army regulation stabilizing personnel within the continental United States and in implementing changes in the length of overseas tours and training for survival in combat. For these accomplishments, he was awarded the Legion of Merit. While serving in Vietnam as the division administrative officer (G1), Colonel Lowrey was awarded his second Legion of Merit for improving the living conditions of his troops. His study on drug abuse and suppression alerted Army leaders to the need for military police in combat environments. He successfully commanded at every level from platoon leader to brigade commander, culminating his career as the Deputy Director of Human Resources and Development. Upon retirement, Colonel Lowrey was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership, managerial skills, and recognized authority in law enforcement, corrections, and physical security. With persistence, professionalism, and dedication, Colonel Lowrey has brought great leadership and loyalty in wartime and peacetime, making him a role model for all military police throughout the Corps.

Major Frank L. Ribich Jr. (Retired) Service Career: 1960 to 2001

Major Ribich's distinguished Army and civil service career spanned more than 40 years, including valorous service in combat and contributions with measurable impact on the law enforcement mission of the Military Police Corps in today's Army. Throughout his distinguished and heroic military career, Major Ribich's leadership, high standards, and valor have become legendary. Major Ribich served as team leader, platoon leader, and commander of the Kaiserslautern District, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, during the height of terrorism in the European Theater. While serving in Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for bravery as commander of the Military Police Reaction Forces, Saigon, Republic of South Vietnam. Major Ribich was instrumental in the defense of the U.S. Embassy during the 1968 Tet Offensive when he organized his forces while facing intense enemy fire from within the compound, neutralizing the enemy until assistance arrived. Additionally, Major Ribich has efficiently and professionally led the development of a multitude of courses providing antiterrorism training to members of the Military Police Corps and the Department of Defense, including the establishment of the U.S. Army Military Police School Antiterrorism Training Program. In 1988, he won the "Best Antiterrorism Program Manager" award from the Department of Defense for his expertise. He has successfully supported military police operations worldwide and demonstrated continuous service excellence. With purpose, persistence, professionalism, and dedication, Major Ribich has brought great leadership, bravery, and loyalty in wartime and peacetime. He will always be a bona fide hero to the Military Police Corps, the U.S. Army, and the nation.