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Alfred M. Gray Jr.

Alfred M. Gray Jr. obituary

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Alfred Gray Obituary

Marines Mourn the Loss of
Corps Legend and 29th Commandant,
General Alfred Gray

General Alfred M. Gray Jr., the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, died March 20, 2024 at his home in Alexandria, Virginia. He was 95. General Gray was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 39 years, Jan, who passed away January 30, 2020.

Born June 22, 1928, in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, Gray enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950 after dropping out of college to fight in Korea, serving as a radio operator with the Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific.

Over the next 41 years, Gray established a legacy of heroism in combat, deploying eight times to lead Marines in dangerous missions – several of them clandestine. Gray earned the distinction of leading the first independent ground operations by a Marine unit in Vietnam while commanding a composite unit of signals intelligence Marines supported by attached infantry. During his several deployments to Vietnam, Gray pioneered modern signals intelligence collection methods and developed operational employment concepts in which intelligence drove follow-on operations. His lifelong advocacy for such techniques earned him admittance to the National Security Agency's Hall of Honor in 2008 for lifetime achievements in the area of signals intelligence. His early work and establishment of two units, formed the nucleus of what is known today as the Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion.

Commanding at every operational level from 40-person platoon to 40,000-strong Marine Amphibious Force, General Gray reached the pinnacle of Marine Corps leadership when Navy Secretary James Webb selected him to serve as the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

While Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Gray established an unrivaled reputation as a champion of academics and professional education. He federated five of the Corps' formal schools for officers and senior enlisted leaders under the umbrella command of a new Marine Corps University. Hundreds of Marine leaders earn accredited degrees through the university each year as they complete courses of study for promotion and advancement. For Marines of all ranks, Gray implemented the requirement to read at least two books each year from a list he hand-selected. The Commandant's Reading List remains a fixture of Marine Corps professional development.

Gray also led the Marine Corps through the adoption of the doctrinal warfighting concept that serves as the distinguishing institutional and operational philosophy to this day. The Corps' embrace of maneuver warfare doctrine earned it numerous battlefield successes from the 1980s through the modern day. Maneuver warfare continues to be studied not just by U.S. Marines, but by foreign militaries and even civilian business schools around the world. Maneuver warfare emphasizes adaptability, decisiveness, and initiative based on common operational understanding.

Throughout his career, Gray's experience as a junior Marine and a noncommissioned officer anchored his leadership philosophy. In an address to a graduating U.S. Naval Academy class, he advised the newly commissioning officers, "If you come and join my Marines, I want you to know that your 'number one' job is to take care of the men and women you are privileged to lead."

Gray stated in interviews that his best day in the Marine Corps was the day he promoted to corporal and joined the ranks of noncommissioned officers.

"I think as excited as I ever was as a young Marine ... my proudest day probably was when I got to put corporal on my return address on the envelope [home]. That was a very, very good day."

Gray left his mark in other ways as well. When visitors to the Pentagon observe the portraits of the Corps' Commandants hanging in the Marine Corps hallway, the tidy row of officers bedecked in Marine Corps Dress Blues and gleaming medals is abruptly disrupted by the face of General Gray smiling back at them as he stands proudly in his Camouflage Utility Uniform. As was his reputation, Gray sought to deliver an enduring message. He adamantly instructed all Marines that "every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman. All other conditions are secondary."

This warrior mindset manifested itself in the areas of training and combat readiness as well. Gray directed changes to Marines' readiness to fight "in any clime or place," as the service's hymn reads. Marine formations trained to conduct large-scale maneuvers in desert and cold-weather environments, as unit leaders implemented the tenets of maneuver warfare. This transformation in the aftermath of the Vietnam War-era included the development of a maritime special operations capability, emphasis on the education of leaders, establishment of the Marine Corps University, and development of a long-range desert operations capability.

From their first date in September of 1969, General Gray and his wife Jan were separable only by fidelity to Corps and duty. After a brief engagement, then-Major General Gray and Jan married on July 27, 1980, in Burlington, Vermont. Throughout their marriage of nearly 40 years, Mrs. Gray gave her time and efforts unselfishly to the Marine Corps. She was best known for her dedication to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the Marine Corps Scholarship Program, the Navy Wifeline Program, the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program, and the families of casualties from the Beirut Bombing. In 1985, she was lauded with the Marine Corps League Distinguished Service Award. In 1991, the Department of the Navy bestowed on her its Distinguished Public Service Award, recognizing her years of dedication to the men, women and families of the Department of the Navy.

After his military retirement, General Gray served as board chairman and CEO for several public and private companies and was a consultant for several organizations in national and international industry and government. He served on the Defense Science Board; Defense Special Operations Advisory Group; National Security Agency Science Advisory Board; National Reconnaissance Office Gold Team; Defense Operations Support Office Advisory Team; and as director of the Advanced Concept Demonstration Technology for Combat in the Littorals. General Gray was also chairman emeritus of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and America Fund, which help take care of wounded veterans and their families. In addition, he served as chancellor of the Marine Military Academy and chairman of the U.S. Marine Youth Foundation, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, and the Chairman of the Board of the Norwich University Advanced Research Institute.

A public viewing organized by the estate of General Gray will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., April 7, 2024 at Demaine Funeral Home, 520 S. Washington St, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, 703-549-0074. There will be an open-to-the-public Full Honors Funeral Ceremony in the National Capital Region at a location and time to be determined. Burial services at Arlington National Cemetery will follow the funeral ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, General and Mrs. Gray wish for donations to any of the following charitable organizations:

- Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund

- Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation

- Marine Youth Fitness Foundation

- Marine Corps University Foundation

- Marine Corps Heritage Foundation

- Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

- Hope for the Warriors

- Toys For Tots

- Carolina Museum of the Marine

- Marine Corps Association and Foundation

- Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Mar. 31, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Gray

Not sure what to say?





Jim Rodden

March 17, 2025

I met General Gray when I was but a boot PFC. For the entire cocktail hour before the start of the Ball, he drank with us and told war stories. A real Marine's Marine, I'll never forget him. RIP, sir, you were one of the best to ever wear the uniform.

Richard Gaida

December 26, 2024

When he slapped me on the back at the Horno chow hall.

Cathie Chevalier

October 30, 2024

On behalf of SGTMAJ Paul J Chevalier who passed in 2023, I send condolences to the family of Commandant AL GRAY, A Marine's Marine.

Kathy Gatti

October 7, 2024

My memory of "Little Alfred" (his dad was big Alfred) was of him visiting my grandparents at their house in Scottsdale despite his busy schedule. My grandfather was his mother's sister. He was simply an overall nice guy.

George Beam

August 22, 2024

Sgt George Beam ..I worked for General Gray from 1958 to 1966 in Hawaii in 1st radio in Hawaii and Headquarters Marine Corps in Arlingto Virginia. I found him to be hardworking and dedicated Marine. He will be sorely missed to his family and the rest of us. Semper Fi.

GySgt Andrew J. Svaby Sr., GySgt USMCR (ret.)

August 6, 2024

This one hit HARD, as General Gray was VERY Lehigh Valley connected, from his 3 years at Lafayette College (then), In Easton, PA to the 2020's! So many anecdotes I could tell, but his poster with, "I'm looking for Marines to follow me", says it all! The most "APPROACHABLE" Marine ever! R.I.P. & Semper Fi!

Nichole DiLossi

July 30, 2024

Nichole DiLossi

July 30, 2024

Nichole DiLossi

July 30, 2024

My Grandpop John J MacVeigh III went to school with General Al . My entire family has met him. What a wonderful well loved man !

Tom Constantine

May 26, 2024

I had the privilege to meet then Major General Gray at Boston Logan Airport where we spoke for some time. Thirty eight years later we would communicate again via email and he recalled our first meeting, which amazed me. He was a genuinely nice man who was also sharp as a tack and astute. I never knew he was a Mustanger. Fair winds and following seas General. Semper Fidelis.

Larry D. Sivels

May 11, 2024

General Gray (Sir) you will be missed but not forgotten. You have done a lot for all Marines. Semper Fi!
Gunnery Sergeant Larry D. Sivels USMC Retired

Maurice Gamble

May 8, 2024

I served under General Gray back in 1982 at Camp Lejune Truck Co HQ Battalion. I knew back then he would one day be Commandant of the Marine Corp. Semper Fi General Gray, you were truly a Marines Marine.

GySgt JJ LABRADOR

April 13, 2024

Fair Winds and Following Seas, MARINE!

Earnest Hawkins 1/6

April 11, 2024

Viewing of General Gray Alexandria VA with 1/8 Beirut Marines, 5th Marines and 1/6!!
Semper-fi!!

Sergio Garcia

April 8, 2024

During my 27+ years tenures in my Beloved Corps I have agree that 1980-83 was one of my most Memorable, as the Assistant Ops Chief of HQ BN 2nd MARDIV, where General Grey was the Commanding Officer, as his Sacco, Daco, Security Guard PLT Sgt, Wow!! Than you My General, thank you for your Services to our Beloved Nation, "Semper Fedelis" MsSgt "Top Dawg" S. Garcia manda

MSgt Steve Hill USMC retired

April 6, 2024

I checked the box as a family member because we as Marines are brothers and sisters.
I had the privilege of knowing General on a personal level while I was a member of the OJCS (1986-1989).
I got to drive him home one day in a snowstorm that hit DC. His car was stuck. He saw me in my 4x4 truck and walked over..tapped on the window...when I rolled it down he said..
"Where ya going, Top after you drive me home..??"
We shared several hours at the home of the Commandants.
I have seen many Commandants pass over the years but this one hit hard.
Rest easy, General...!
We love you....!!!

Michael McNeely

March 31, 2024

General Gray it was an honor and a pleasure serving in your command in Advisory Team One June, July, August and September 1964 in Vietnam as members of Kilo 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines out of Camp Schwab. What a great Marine to serve with. Semper Fi

DB

March 30, 2024

May family and friends of Mr Gray be comforted by the God of all comfort during their time of loss and beyond.

Carson Loveless

March 30, 2024

Condolences to his family and his friends

David Campbell

March 30, 2024

General Gray was our guest of honor at one of my earliest Marine Corps Birthday balls and my best memory of him was his speech. After the initial ceremony was finished, he came out on stage dressed in a MARPAT tuxedo. A Marine went to hand him a microphone and he jovially swatted it away. General Gray, who must have been 79 or 80 at this point, jumped right off the front of the stage and began his speech while wandering through the guests. It was equal parts funny and motivating. He was really great to all the junior Marines and took the time to socialize with everyone there. General Gray was the definition of a Marine's Marine!

Sgt. Jerry l. Bloomfield

March 27, 2024

I was proud to have been one of first members of Div. Command center, was an honor to work for Gen. Gray. Rest in peace devildog

John Kuplast

March 27, 2024

He

ANGEL DIAZ

March 27, 2024

3/22/2024, today I had a memorial mass for Marine Corps. 29th Commandant, General Alfred M. Gray at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Branchville, NJ. He was such a wonderful Marine and American Patriot. Truly an outstanding leader and symbol of dignity and courage throughout his entire lifetime. He was my 1983-84, 2nd Marine Division Commander in Grenada and Beirut, Lebanon and over 30 yrs. veteran of multiple wars. I had the honor of 1st meeting him in the below picture when I was a corporal on July 4, 1986 on the USS Nashville in Hudson Harbor during the Statute of Liberty celebration. I remember that I was giving a class on the M47 Dragon Anti-Tank weapon system. As I was talking to the crowd around me, he came up from behind and smacked my back so hard that he almost knocked me to the flight deck surface of the Nashville. I then saw 3 stars on his collar and I remained totally silent and smiled at my Commanding General. This was just his regular way of expressing his approval and pride in his marines. I was so happy that he liked my class to the crowd. May God bless him and his wife Jan. Until we meet again my dear friend and Commandant.

Phil Hubbard

March 27, 2024

Served in his staff sec office aboard the USS Mt Whitney (4th MAB) - He was the most respected and down to earth General Officers I have ever encountered- He cared about everyone no matter your rank

Leia Mandeville

March 26, 2024

Mr.Grays quote is profound : The military is going overboard on information and under board on knowledge. Knowledge is and advantage.My condolences to the family. Ecclesiastes chapter 7 verse 12

Donald Vaile

March 26, 2024

We where in the field training for going to Beirut, he would come up to you and smack you on the shoulder and say" how's the chow,marine? You getting your mail on time?" Always having his canteen cup with general stars on it! Then as the years went on he always kept us under his arm to protect us Beirut marines by being at everyone of our memorials, keeping our mission in focus of "Always Remember "!!! God bless you sir and at least now I know heaven will get squared away with his leadership and understanding of what it takes to be a great marine! Semper fi sir and until Valhalla...

Janelle Almendis

March 25, 2024

May all of you as family and friends be comforted by God's love and his word the bible. Kindly accept my condolences.

Mark Massey

March 25, 2024

He was straight forward and to the point. His Marines came first and that never changed!

Kenton Henderson

March 25, 2024

What a loss. Gen. Gray was a tireless advocate for and large than life member of the United States Marine Corps. I was part of one of his more significant initiatives which a 'Marine Combat Training'. Even in its infancy, it was good training. R.I.P General and a job well done.

Judith Young

March 25, 2024

We honor and remember a special friend General Al Gray.

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2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Demaine Funeral Home

520 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Apr

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Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Demaine Funeral Home

520 S. Washington St., Alexandria, VA 22314

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520 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

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