Quantico, Virginia. (March 27, 2024): The Marines are mourning the loss of a legendary commander with the passing of General Alfred M. Gray, 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, by honoring his service to our nation and the lasting impression he left on the Corps.
General Gray enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950 and served overseas with the Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon, Fleet Marine Force Pacific where he attained the rank of sergeant. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1952 after attending the Basic School at Quantico and the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served as an artillery officer with the 1st Marine Division in Korea and went on to serve with the 12th Marines in Vietnam in 1965.
It was in Vietnam that then Major Grey earned the Silver Star for conspicuous bravery in combat.
According to his citation, during the night of May 14, 1967, three Marines who were enroute to a listening post became confused in the darkness and unknowingly entered a mine field. One of the Marines inadvertently detonated a mine which killed him and seriously wounded his comrades. Upon learning of the accident, Major Gray immediately proceeded to the area and, realizing that the casualties required immediate medical attention, unhesitatingly entered the mined area to assist them.
Disregarding his own safety, Major Gray, accompanied by another Marine, calmly and skillfully probed a cleared path forty meters through the unmarked minefield to the side of the wounded men. When stretcher bearers arrived, he directed the safe evacuation of the casualties through the minefield. His timely and heroic actions in the face of great personal danger inspired all who served with him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two Marines.
General Gray was promoted to the rank of General and assumed the office of Commandant of the Marine Corps on 1 July 1987.
His many awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; the Silver Star Medal; the Legion of Merit with Combat “V.” He also earned the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”, two Purple Hearts, the Meritorious Service Medal; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; the Navy Commendation Medal; and the Combat Action Ribbon with a gold star.
General Gray lived the way of the American Marine… Always Faithfull.