His service as a Guardsman dates back to the beginning of this
century, when, in 1901, he enlisted in Company D of the 1st Maryland
Infantry in Bel Air. Not long afterward, he took command of that
company, and 1916 found him commanding a battalion on the Mexican
border. On active duty as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1917, he was second
in command of the 115th Infantry, the Maryland regiment of the
newly organized 29th Division. As a colonel during World War I,
he led the 115th overseas, through its combat service in France and
back home in May of 1919. He commanded the Maryland Brigade of
the 29th Division until 1934, when he took command of the Division
and led it into federal service in 1941, relinquishing it upon reaching the
maximum age limit for Division commanders. He commanded the
Third Corps Area, later known as the Third Service Command, in
the early part of World War II. The story goes that just before
reaching the statutory retirement age in 1943, General Reckord re-
ceived a note from General Marshall, then Chief of Staff, saying: "I
know you don't want to leave the service until its all over. Would you be
interested in going to Europe as the Theater Provost Marshal?" Gen-
eral Reckord's reply was, "I'll go anywhere you want me to go. "

This was a characteristic response of a man trained, taught and
experienced as a soldier. It is the kind of response—a recognition
of the obligation to duty—that those of us who worked with General
Reckord in the service of the public knew we could expect of him
always. Go to Europe he did, as Theater Provost Marshal in the
European Theater of Operations. After the war, he took over the
chairmanship of the general staff committee which drew up War De-
partment policies affecting the National Guard and the reserves. Then,
at the age of 66, he was released from active duty. He resumed his
duties as the Adjutant General of Maryland, a position to which he was
first appointed in 1920.

As one who has enjoyed his friendship and benefited immeasurably
from association with him, I am grateful for this opportunity to pay
tribute to General Milton A. Reckord. I have the honor, General
Reckord, of presenting to you this silver platter which reads: "Milton
A. Reckord 1901-1964. In appreciation from the people of Maryland. "

All of us deeply appreciate the loyal service you have given to this
State and this nation, and we wish you many, many more years of
happiness and success.

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