Georgia Military College (GMC) celebrated Military Heritage Weekend, inducting Lt. Col. Marvin Layfield into the GMC Hall of Heroes. The annual tradition is about celebrating GMC’s long history of military and leadership at the institution, and the men and women that serve our great country in our nation’s military. The event brought together members of the GMC family, community leaders, and visitors from around the region.
The GMC Hall of Heroes pays tribute to alumni of the GMC Corps of Cadets who have demonstrated extraordinary service to the nation while bringing honor to GMC. This is the highest recognition for an alumnus of the Corps of Cadets, and either the individual or members of the individual’s family are invited to the annual Military Honors Parade to accept the prestigious honor. Layfield’s sister, Inez Hawkins, accepted the award on behalf of her late brother.
Layfield’s journey at Georgia Military College began in the humblest of ways—at the elementary school affectionately known as “Little GMC.”
From there, he climbed the hill to Georgia Military College Preparatory School in 1947, graduating with the distinguished Class of 1951. He next moved on to GMC’s Junior College, where his leadership skills became evident early on.
Proudly serving as the B Company Commander in the Corps of Cadets before earning his associate degree. His educational journey continued at the University of Georgia, where he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in 1955.
His youngest sister reflected on the family’s challenges, emphasizing that GMC was a defining factor in her brother’s success.
“Had GMC not provided this opportunity; it would have been very difficult for our family to send him to college—maybe even impossible. GMC was key to everything he achieved during his lifetime, and he recognized that.”
Layfield’s military career began in 1951 when he enlisted in the Georgia National Guard, working his way up to the rank of Sergeant before graduating from the University of Georgia, where he also participated in the Army ROTC program. In November 1955, his status changed from reserve duty to active duty, and he reported to the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia as a member of the First Student Brigade.
By 1957, he had graduated from flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama earning his designation as an Army Aviator along with the prestigious Army Aviator Badge. His next assignment took him to Germany, where he served as a fixed-wing aviator with the 2nd and later the 3rd Army Aviation Companies Returning stateside, Layfield was stationed at Fort Benning once more, taking on the roles of platoon leader and Executive Officer for D Company in 2nd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. In 1963, now Captain Layfield was deployed to Korea, where he commanded the Combat Support Section for the 7th Aviation Company, 7th Infantry Division. His expertise as a rotary-wing aviator led him to Fort Bragg, North Carolina and a crucial assignment with the JFK Center for Special Warfare. This role would eventually take him to Vietnam, where he completed two combat tours—one as a platoon leader with the 1st Cavalry Division (Air) in 1966 and later as Commanding Officer for B Company, 25th Aviation Battalion, 25th Infantry Division in 1968.
Layfield’s career took a new direction in 1972 when he transitioned from piloting helicopters to strategic operations, working with the United States Readiness Command (USREDCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Ever eager to expand his expertise, he immersed himself in advanced military and corporate training in computer operations, ultimately earning a Master of Education degree from Boston University in 1977.
After an illustrious 27-year career, LTC Layfield retired from active duty in 1979.
Layfield faced his final battle with the same quiet strength that defined his life. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, he passed away in 1991. His legacy—one of courage, duty, and unwavering love of country—lives on through the countless lives he touched.
Closing out the weekend event was GMC’s 23rd Annual Grand Tattoo, a military tradition dating back to the 17th century and a fitting way to honor the nation’s veterans. This event, steeped in history and tradition, included special entertainment featuring GMC Junior College Glee Club, where they performed a patriotic melody and God Bless America.
— Contributed