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 soldier from the United States Army. He served as the 10th Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA) from July 1995 to October 1997. This was a very important leadership role. He was also the first African American to achieve this high rank in the United States Army.
Early Life and Family
Gene McKinney was born in Monticello, Florida, on November 3, 1950. He grew up with five brothers and sisters. It's interesting to know that all six of them served in the United States Army! One of his brothers became an officer, and another retired as a Master Sergeant. His identical twin brother, James C. McKinney, also became a Command Sergeant Major.
Military Career Highlights
Gene McKinney joined the United States Army in August 1968. He started his training as 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 different leadership positions for noncommissioned officers (NCOs). NCOs are experienced soldiers who lead and train other soldiers. He served in many places, including:
- United States Army Europe
- 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized) in Bad Kreuznach, Germany
- 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division in Vilseck, Germany
- 612th Quartermaster Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina
- 1st Battalion, 58th Mechanized Infantry, 197th Infantry Brigade at Fort Benning, Georgia
- 3rd Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment in Büdingen, Germany
- 3rd and 4th Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas
- 2nd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Bamberg, Germany
He also graduated from the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, which is a special school for top NCOs.
Awards and Decorations
Gene C. McKinney received many awards and decorations for his service in the Army. These awards show his bravery, dedication, and excellent performance.
 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.
