Peter Morakon, of North Carolina, was inducted into the Hall of Fame for applying his skills as a military parachutist as an Army civilian testing future airborne operations equipment at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Now 82, Morakon said the command must be crazy to honor him. “This honor doesn’t really belong to me. Rather, it goes to all those who he worked with in his combined 55 years of military and civilian service. Most of all, the outstanding test (noncommissioned officers) I had throughout the years.”

In 1949, Morakon enlisted in the Army and later deployed to Korea. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant, and after a few odd jobs, he re-enlisted as a private. His awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

During his entire career, Morakon completed more than 1,000 static-line parachute jumps and 4,405 military free-fall jumps. He completed his last jump at age 78 before he retired.

“Today he will tell you he misses the sky and the butterflies you get before you jump,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Spellmon, commander of the test command.

“You’re a soldier’s soldier ... and you embody the spirit of the profession of arms.”

Other members of the Hall of Fame were present for his induction, including retired Lt. Col. Don Melton and retired Gen. Robert Shoemaker.