Alfred M. Gray Jr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Alfred M. Gray Jr.
Born	(1928-06-22)June 22, 1928 Rahway, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	March 20, 2024(2024-03-20) (aged 95) Alexandria, Virginia, U.S.
Allegiance	United States
Service/branch	United States Marine Corps
Years of service	1950–1991
Rank	General
Commands held	Commandant of the Marine Corps Marine Forces Atlantic II Marine Expeditionary Force 2nd Marine Division 33d Marine Amphibious Unit 4th Marine Regiment 2nd Marine Regiment 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines 1st Radio Battalion
Battles/wars	Korean War Vietnam War
Awards	Defense Distinguished Service Medal (2) Navy Distinguished Service Medal (2) Army Distinguished Service Medal Air Force Distinguished Service Medal Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit (2) Bronze Star Medal (4) Purple Heart (3)
Spouse(s)	Jan Goss (1980–2020; her death)

Alfred Mason Gray Jr. (born June 22, 1928 – died March 20, 2024) was a highly respected United States Marine Corps four-star general. He served as the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps. This is the highest-ranking officer in the Marine Corps.

General Gray held this important role from July 1, 1987, until he retired on June 30, 1991. He served his country for 41 years. He passed away at his home in Alexandria, Virginia, at the age of 95.

Early Life and School

Alfred Mason Gray Jr. was born on June 22, 1928, in Rahway, New Jersey. His parents were Emily and Alfred Mason Gray. His family later moved to Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey.

He attended Point Pleasant Beach High School. There, he was active in sports like baseball, basketball, and football. He graduated in 1946. Gray went on to study at Lafayette College and earned a degree from the State University of New York. He also received several special honorary degrees from different universities. He married Jan Goss in 1980.

Marine Corps Career

Gray joined the United States Marine Corps in 1950. He served in many places, including the Pacific. He started as a sergeant before becoming an officer in 1952.

He served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During these times, he was part of different Marine units. He also worked at Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C..

Gray is known for helping to create special Marine units. These units worked at Naval Security Group sites. He even commanded a Marine group in Japan from 1956 to 1958.

In 1964, he led a special radio unit in South Vietnam. This unit helped set up important communication systems. He later commanded a group of artillery forces. He also led the 1st Radio Battalion in Vietnam.

After his time in Vietnam, Gray continued to take on important leadership roles. He commanded the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. He also led the 2nd Marine Regiment. He attended the United States Army War College to further his military education.

From 1974 to 1975, he commanded the 4th Marines. He also served as the Camp Commander at Camp Hansen in Japan. In 1975, he helped lead the evacuation of Saigon during Operation Frequent Wind.

He was promoted to brigadier general in 1976. He then became a major general in 1980. He took command of the 2nd Marine Division. This was a large group of Marines at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.

In 1984, he became a lieutenant general. He was then put in charge of Marine forces in the Atlantic and Europe. On July 1, 1987, he was promoted to general. He became the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

As Commandant, General Gray made big changes to Marine training. He focused on large-scale movements in different environments. He also changed how the Marines fought, focusing on "maneuver warfare." This means moving quickly and smartly to outwit the enemy. He also made sure that every Marine remembered their main job: being a skilled rifleman. He even took his official photo in a camouflage uniform to show this.

Things Named After Him

The Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia, has a building named after him. It is called the Alfred M. Gray Research Center. This center holds important Marine Corps history and research materials.

Since 2004, there has been an award named in his honor. It is called The General Alfred M. Gray Trophy. This award is given each year to a Marine Captain. It recognizes their important contributions to communication and intelligence in the Marine Corps.

Awards and Decorations

General Gray received many awards for his brave and dedicated service. Here are some of them:

In 1991, he received the Distinguished Sea Service Award.

After the Marine Corps

Alfred M. Gray (right) and James F. Amos (left) in June 2012.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, General Gray continued to be very active. He served on the boards of directors or as an advisor for several companies and organizations.

Some of these include:

• American Public University System – where he was a chairman and board member.
• The Columbia Group – a company that supports the U.S. military.
• Potomac Institute for Policy Studies – a group that researches public policy.
• Semper Fi Fund – a non-profit group that helps injured service members and their families. He was the chairman of its board since it started in 2004.

He was also a member of several Marine Corps groups. These included the 2nd Marine Division Association and the Marine Corps League.

See Also

• Marine Corps Intelligence Command