Storied Careers: New Mexico National Guard Inducts Four Into Historic Hall of Honor

The Hall of Honor, established in 2019, honors past NM National Guard members with storied careers in the Guard who also made tremendous impacts in their community following their Guard service.

Surviving family members and close associates of the inductees received the Hall of Honor plaque and medal from NMNG Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar during a ceremony in Santa Fe.

Maj. Gen. Coryton McDowell Woodbury

A native of Staunton, Virginia, Coryton McDowell Woodbury came to Roswell, NM in 1932 to teach mathematics and coach sports. During World War II, he joined the 804th Tank Destroyer Battalion, then commanded the 752nd Talk Battalion through the Italian and African campaigns. He was awarded several awards including the Silver Star four times. He remained active in the NM National Guard while serving as city manager for Roswell and Farmington. In the 1960s he was promoted to brigadier general and major general before retiring in 1966.

Lt. Col. Wilson Hurley

A pilot with the New Mexico Air National Guard, Wilson Hurley was called to active duty, and he completed his FAC (Forward Air Controller) training in December 1968, according to the Museum of the United States Air Force. In a Cessna O-1 Bird Dog aircraft, he flew FAC missions in support of the First Regiment of the Republic of Korea’s “Capital” Division from air bases at Qui Nhon and Phu Cat until May 1969, when he returned to the United States. Afterward, Hurley, a prolific artist, created a series of paintings based upon his experiences, and he donated them to the museum. The paintings are currently off public display.

Capt. John S. Wilson

In the fall of 1965, John S. Wilson was sent to Vietnam with a New Mexico National Guard unit, according to the New Mexico Military Institute. While stationed at Dong Ha near the DMZ he was injured in action and was awarded the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for Valor in 1967. At the Low Altitude Air Defense School at Fort Bliss (Texas) he was known as a highly respected instructor. He volunteered to return to Vietnam to provide data on the use of the Vulcan Weapon System in combat conditions. Captain Wilson was killed in action at Long Binh Post, Feb. 23, 1969. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Silver Star for Valor.

Cpl. Tony Reyna

Reyna served as a corporal in the 200th and 515th Coast Artillery regiments when they were sent to protect the Philippine Scouts. After months of desperate fighting with dwindling munitions, food and supplies, they were forced to surrender April 9, 1942 after Japanese forces invaded the Philippines. This was soon after the U.S. entered World War II in December, 1941. Of the 1,800 New Mexican soldiers in the Philippines only about half survived and returned home. Reyna lived a long life dedicated to service to his village and the greater Taos community. He passed away at the age of 100 at his home on Dec. 4, 2016.