The History Of The Famous Camp Atterbury Rock

by
posted on June 13, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
campatterbury-2020-2.jpg

The “Atterbury Rock” has been a symbol of Camp Atterbury (located near Edinburgh, IN) for well over 70 years. Over the years, this carved rock has become a monument to the troops that have been to the National Guard base and the greatness it represents. The rock was carved over three months during the summer by Libero Puccini (1924-2008), who was an Italian POW. He was in the hospital when his fellow POWs built the famous Camp Atterbury Chapel in the Meadow. (See Puccini pictured at the top of this article, along with the rock he carved that still stands today.)

About carving the eponymous rock at the base entrance, Puccini says, “We could have done it in three days, but we did it over three months. We wanted to stay here. People were bringing us drinks.”

Camp Atterbury Rock
The famed Atterbury Rock as it appears today, not much different than 75 years ago.


The origins of the carving had never been ascertained until Puccini came along. The annual pilgrimage to Indiana from Alabama for the reunion ranked among the highlights of his life. Puccini returned to Camp Atterbury for re-dedication ceremonies each year with his son until his passing in 2008. He made many friends at Camp Atterbury and was accepted by U.S. veterans as an equal, not the enemy.

The National Rifle Association of America plans to reunite the NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury in 2020 (Pistol, Smallbore and High Power Rifle), along with a new National Marksmanship Competition Center to be housed on site at this Indiana National Guard base in the near future.

Lead photo courtesy of 
Camp Atterbury/ING.

See more: 6 Things You Didn’t Know About Camp Atterbury.

Latest

Mullers ARC July2025 1
Mullers ARC July2025 1

NRA Announces Dianna & Ryan Muller As Brand Ambassadors For America’s Rifle Challenge

NRA announces Dianna & Ryan Muller as brand ambassadors for America’s Rifle Challenge program, promoting AR-15 marksmanship, safety and training.

Eley’s New Trial Packs Let Competition Shooters Find Their Perfect Rimfire Match Ammo

Eley launches trial ammo packs to help shooters test and match precision .22 LR rounds to their firearms.

Ava Downs Captures Junior Olympic Trap Title On Home Turf

Hillsdale’s Ava Downs takes gold in women’s trap at the 2025 USA Shooting Junior Olympic Championships hosted at the Halter Center.

Brandon Powell Claims 8th Georgia State Sporting Clays Title

Brandon Powell wins his eighth Georgia State Sporting Clays Championship, continuing his dominance with multiple top finishes at the 2025 tournament.

Vincent Hancock Claims 30th ISSF Medal As Team USA Dominates 2025 Lonato World Cup

Team USA shines at 2025 ISSF Lonato World Cup with golds from Vincent Hancock and Sam Simonton, plus silver for Dania Vizzi.

Jon Shue Clinches Third Straight NRA National Precision Pistol Championship Title

Shue continues his dominant streak in bullseye pistol shooting after 2025 NRA National Precision Pistol Championship victory.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.