We have been informed early this morning that former Commandant of the Marine Corps General Al Gray, retired, has passed away. His dedication and support for the United States Marine Corps has been profound and constant. General Gray has also been a constant supporter of The Marine Corps League (MCL) where he also served as our honorary MCL National Commandant along with being a fervent supporter of the youth of America through organizations such as the Young Marines. More details will be provided by the U.S. Marine Corps. Pictured: General Gray speaking at a previous MCL national meeting, seated next to him is current MCL National Commandant Warren Griffin. https://lnkd.in/gUhwMCFG.
I had the honor of meeting Gen. Gray aboard Quantico when he was CMC in 1987. He was hosting a Soviet General out at the range and, trailed by his full-bull Col. aide he bellowed for directions to the nearest head. I was in civvies, loading my POV to head for Camp Perry as part of the USMC Pistol team. He walked up to me and I came to attention. "Name & unit, Marine! And what the hell are you doing in civvies in the middle of a weekday?". "Sir, Cpl Weir, K.M., Marine Corps Pistol Team, Weapons Trng Bn. I'm headed out to Camp Perry as one of your representatives, Sir!" "My representative - are you gonna win?" "I'm gonna give it my damndest, Sir!" "Carry on, Corporal!" "Aye, aye Sir!" The he roasted a bunch of boot Lt's (Basic School students) "what are you doing standing around here? Why aren't you out training? Colonel - get every one of their names!" The need for a head call was just a an excuse to take a break "I didn't really need a head call - I just hate that Red Sonofab*tch". It was an honor to meet him!!!
General Gray always had time to meet with Marines. While deployed at Sea, he walked into our Avionics work area unannounced aboard the USS Saipan in 1986 and boosted our morale after we had lost one of our helicopters in the Arctic Ocean with 13 Marines onboard. He will forever exemplify being a Marine for all Marines. RIP, Sir!
I have listened to many talks by Al Grey. What a great man. So incredibly supportive of his marines. Always giving of his time. Always kind to marine families. My younger brother Lance Corporal Michael Devlin was under his command at the time of the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut. Unfortunately Michael was killed in that event. Al has been at many Camp LeJeune rememberance ceremonies showing his love and support of our troops. Sempre Fi Commandant Gray. You will be missed. Say hi to michael and all of our troops in heaven.
He was a phenomenon man and Marine Officer. A personal friend, also my Division CDR in 82-84. A Warrior's Warrior. He stood tall and took the blame for Beirut 83, he had great Honor. We all loved him for his straight forwardness, he talked to all the young Marines. After we returned from Beirut after "Stethman" I saw him punch (as he always did to say "Hello") a young Navy SEAL in the shoulder and caught him off gaurd and knocked him over... Gray said "You guys aren't that tough... I could never knock Mike or my Recon Marines over!" The SEALs and my guys cracked up howling laughing...he loved it. He truely cared for us, as Marines and people. He was going to go to my wedding, as Div Cmdr.. I said "With all due respect, No Sir...it will become a circus... and it's her day, not ours" He laughed and wholeheartedly agreed. "The great man" he will be missed. We need more Gen Gray's now in our Corps! M2
This is sad news indeed. However, I am sure he is up there on 8th and I St. in the big blue having a toast with all who have gone before. I was blessed to enter the Marines in 1981 and go through a critical transition period for Gen. Gray's transition of the Corps' NCO and Officer core to a more professional and focused group. His insistence on every Marine is an Infantry person first and foremost paved the way for the wars we would face and continue to prepare for. He wasn't perfect but he was the NCOs' Commandant, and for my generation our Chesty.
I was fortunate enough to meet him three times and each was an honor and highlight of my career. He came to visit with Sergeant Major Sommers right after JUST CAUSE and sometime in the build-up to the ground war when it was still DESERT SHIELD and many years later at a Ground Board Diner (he was wearing his trade-mark blazer.) A great man... the world is less of a place without him. Semper Fidelis Sir
He changed the Marine Corps and altered the trajectory of maneuver warfare as a warfighting strategy. Will always love this amazing Marine.
Had the privilege of working for General Gray when he was a brigadier. I was his air officer. Working with him was better than going to any military school I ever went to. The guy was a student of warfare, a student of the Marine Corps and that made him a wonderful teacher, I can’t find the words to express the sadness I feel at his passing. He was a leader, a mentor and a friend to so many of us. God bless, General Al Gray.
Great CMC at the right time for the Corps. He guided the Corps through a major shift in warfighting philosophy. I still have my original copy of FMFM-1 on my desk. Rest Easy General. Semper Fi.
President and CEO at Mercy Medical Angels
7moHe was really something else.