FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers test their teamwork while climbing an obstacle June 29, 2021, during an Ivy Week competition at the Mabry Mile course on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor)
By Sgt. Ashton Empty
14th Public Affairs Detachment
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers slide across the rope obstacle June 29, 2021, during an Ivy Week competition at the Mabry Mile course on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor)
FORT CARSON, Colo. — The 4th Infantry Division celebrated its annual Ivy Week after facing cancellations the year prior due to restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. The week included a slew of events including basketball, softball, weightlifting and many more.
This year was made even more unique, as 4th Inf. Div. leaders renamed one of its obstacle courses to the Mabry Mile, named after George L. Mabry Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient and former Soldier within the ranks of the Ivy division.
Mabry was part of the fighting force along with the Ivy Division June 6, 1944, who landed on Utah Beach during the D Day invasion of Normandy, France. Because of his efforts and determination throughout the battle he quickly rose through the ranks and became a lieutenant colonel in the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Inf. Div.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 4th Infantry Division jump the wall June 29, 2021, during an Ivy Week competition at the Mabry Mile course on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor)
While leading his battalion Nov. 20, 1944, in Hurtgen forest near Schevenhutte, Germany, Mabry was able to safely find a route through a minefield, which allowed the group of scouts he was leading to capture three enemy bunkers that provided a sharp turn in the battle because they were able to establish an advantageous defensive position. For these actions Mabry was awarded the Medal of Honor in September 1945.
Mabry’s military career and achievements did not stop there.
From the years 1954 to 1956, Mabry served as commander of the 31st Infantry Regiment in South Korea. After that, Mabry spent 10 years serving with U.S. forces in the Panama Canal Zone, with four years as commander. While in the Canal Zone, Mabry played a significant role in establishing the U.S. Army Jungle Warfare Training Center at Fort Sherman, a former U.S. Army base in Panama.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers with 4th Infantry Division climb the rope net June 29, 2021, during an Ivy Week competition at the Mabry Mile course on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor)
Soon after Mabry was promoted to major general and served as the commanding general for the 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood, Texas, from August to December 1965. The short term as commander was because he was appointed as chief of the U.S. Army Evaluation Team in Vietnam from January to April 1966. He then returned to command for the 1st Armored Division at Fort Hood from May to July 1966, and then served as commanding general of U.S. Army Combat Developments Command Experimentation Command at Fort Ord, California, from July 1966 to January 1968. He was then assigned as commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division at Bad Kreuznach, West Germany, from January 1968 to April 1969. This assignment was followed by service as chief of staff for the assistant commanding general of U.S. Army Vietnam from April 1969 to September 1970.
Mabry’s last positions of command was as the commander of the U.S. Southern Command at Fort Amador in Panama from December 1970 to December 1974 and then at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, from January 1975 until he retired Aug. 1, 1975.
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Soldiers climb an obstacle June 29, 2021, during an Ivy Week competition at the Mabry Mile course on Fort Carson, Colorado. (Photo by Spc. Scyrrus Corregidor)
Mabry has left his distinguishable mark on the 4th Inf. Div. as well as the Army as a whole, so much so that the Ivy division proudly uses his name and legacy to exemplify loyalty, duty and courage through the Mabry Mile obstacle course.