Raymond Cecil Hamilton was born January 24, 1894 in Willow Hill, Illinois. In 1916, he joined the Indiana National Guard and spent time at the Mexican border. After commissioned as second lieutenant of Infantry in 1917 upon his completion of Officer Candidate School, Hamilton fought in World War I. The careers that followed were Secretary of The Infantry School 1923-1925, Professor of Military Science and Tactic in the ROTC department at North Georgia Agricultural College 1926-1930, rifle company commander 1932-1934 in Tientsin, China, and Chief of the Infantry School's Weapons Department at Fort Benning. During World War II, Hamilton served with US Army forces in Sicily and North Africa. In 1944, he was assigned Chief of the Infantry Requirements Division at the War Department Headquarters in Washington D.C. Hamilton made significant contributions to war efforts, including recommendations to improve recoilless guns, bazooka weapons, and tactical aircrafts. He also suggested recognition to infantry soldiers, which resulted in the creation of the Combat Infantry Badge. After Colonel Hamilton served in the US Army Occupation Forces in Japan 1945-1947, he retired in 1953 after 36 years of service. He spent the rest of his days in Dahlonega until his death in 1972 and is now buried in Arlington National Cemetary.