The U.S. Army Operational Test Command announced last week it selected retired Command Sgt. Maj. Peter Morakon for induction into the U.S. Army Operational Testers' Hall of Fame.

Morakon, with more than 55 years of combined military and civilian service, was a test officer for OTC’s Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate at Fort Bragg, N.C. He planned, executed and reported on more than 40 operational tests, to include static line parachuting systems and military free fall parachute systems. Morakon also conducted weapon certification for airborne operations and jump procedure validation for various aircraft.

Brig. Gen. Scott Spellmon, OTC commander, said in an emailed statement they are proud to honor Morakon.

“He embodies the spirit of the profession of arms and deserves the highest tribute we can give a tester,” he said.

A native of Wilkes Barre, Pa., Morakon enlisted in the Army in 1949, serving in overseas deployments to Korea, Vietnam and Germany. He retired in 1980, later deciding to return to the workforce in 1984 as a Department of the Army civilian. He retired in 2009 at 78 and lives in Fayetteville, N.C. Morakon will be the 35th hall of fame honoree.

Morakon’s military and civilian awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with V device and one oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with V device and one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal (nine awards), Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Silver Star and Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge (second award), Master Parachutist Badge, Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge, Meritorious Civilian Service Award, Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, Special Forces St. Phillip Neri Gold Medal, Special Forces Hall of Fame, and Fort Bragg Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 21st annual Operational Testers’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony is at 9 a.m. Oct. 3, outside OTC’s West Fort Hood headquarters building. A reception in the Heritage Room will follow.