Gene McKinney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gene C. McKinney
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Master Sergeant (MSG) Formerly the Sergeant Major of the Army Gene McKinney in the 1990s
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| Born | November 3, 1950 Monticello, Florida, United States |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | 1968–1998 |
| Rank | Master Sergeant |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal (2) Meritorious Service Medal (4) |
Gene C. McKinney (born November 3, 1950) is a retired United States Army soldier. He served as the 10th Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) from July 1995 to October 1997. This was a very high rank in the Army. He was the first African American to reach this important position. Later, he faced some challenges and was demoted to the rank of master sergeant.
Early Life and Education
Gene McKinney was born in Monticello, Florida, on November 3, 1950. He grew up with five brothers and sisters. All of his siblings also served in the United States Army. One of his brothers, James C. McKinney, was his identical twin and also became a Command Sergeant Major.
Military Career Highlights
McKinney joined the United States Army in August 1968. He trained to be a Cavalryman at Fort Knox, Kentucky. From 1969 to 1970, he served in the Vietnam War with the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
During his more than 28 years in the Army, he held many important leadership roles for noncommissioned officers. He served in different parts of the world, including Germany and the United States. Some of his roles included:
- Command Sergeant Major of the United States Army Europe.
- Command Sergeant Major for the 8th Infantry Division in Germany.
- Leadership positions in various brigades and battalions, such as the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division.
He also graduated from the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy. This is a special school for top noncommissioned officers.
Awards and Decorations
Gene McKinney received many awards and decorations for his service in the Army. These awards show his bravery and dedication.
 Combat Infantryman Badge |
 Basic Parachutist Badge |
 Expert Marksmanship Badge |
| 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia |
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Legion of Merit |
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Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster |
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Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters |
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Army Commendation Medal |
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Army Achievement Medal |
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Presidential Unit Citation |
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Meritorious Unit Commendation |
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Good Conduct Medal (9 awards) |
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National Defense Service Medal with one service star |
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Vietnam Service Medal with one service star |
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NCO Professional Education Ribbon with award numeral 4 |
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Army Service Ribbon |
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Overseas Service Ribbon with award numeral 5 |
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Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation |
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Vietnam Campaign Medal |
- 9 Service stripes.
