Rhodolph Leslie Esmay - was the winner in the Military Category. His military career began in 1915, when he enlisted as a private in the Wyoming National Guard at the age of sixteen. A veteran of the Mexican American campaign and World War I, he served as Wyoming’s Adjutant General for thirty-five years. Under his leadership the framework for the contemporary Wyoming National Guard took shape.

During World War II Esmay headed the state’s selective service organization, delivering almost sixty percent of Wyoming’s servicemen for induction. He was also executive vice chairman of the State Defense Council, charged with establishing a state guard to assume civil protection duties in the absence of the National Guard. Esmay supervised test blackouts and when necessary, assisted the Wyoming Emergency Relief Board. As someone whose military career spanned the age of horse cavalry to the missile era, Esmay is truly representative of Wyoming’s military history in the twentieth century.

Joseph Vernon Baker - in 1997, in recognition of his service in World War II, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award for valor.

Roy. E. Cooper - has been a leader in the Wyoming Air National Guard helping it to meet the demands of the jet age.

Ed Herschler - was also a finalist in the Military Category on the basis of his service in World War II, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Silver Star.

Emory Scott Land - chairman of the U.S. Maritime Commission, he is remembered as a major architect of the victory of the allied forces during World War II.

Francis McInerney - through his distinguished service in World War II and Korea, this career naval officer brought honor to his native state.

George Pearson - a Sheridan native, he saw extensive service in World War II, and went on to a distinguished career in the army and served as Wyoming’s Adjutant General.

Samuel C. Phillips - served as Director of the Minuteman Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Program for the United States Air Force.

Peter Schoomaker - assumed command of the U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force base in Tampa, Florida, in 1997.

F.E. Warren - was also a finalist in this category because of his efforts to preserve a military presence in Wyoming. William Edward Adams and Charles Francis Carey, Jr., both Medal of Honor recipients, were selected for special recognition in the Military Category.