Retired Gen. Al Gray, the former commandant of the Marine Corps, passed away at the age of 95 after an extended period of hospice care. Gray, who served as the 29th commandant of the Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991, was widely beloved by Marines and veterans of the branch.
Gray dedicated 41 years of his life to serving in the Marines, enlisting in 1950 and earning his commission in 1952. He served in various regiments and divisions, including the 11th and 7th Marine Regiments and the 1st Marine Division in Korea. In Vietnam, Gray demonstrated exceptional bravery and was awarded a Silver Star Medal in 1967 for his actions in a mined area, where he cleared a path to safety for injured troops.
Gen. Eric M. Smith, the 39th commandant of the Marine Corps, expressed his condolences and highlighted Gray’s significant contributions to the Marines. Smith referred to Gray as a “Marine’s Marine” and praised his role in developing the Corps’ maneuver warfare doctrine, known as Warfighting. This doctrine continues to serve as the philosophic foundation for how Marines fight.
While Gray’s passing is a loss for the Marine Corps community, his legacy will endure, and his spirit will continue to inspire future generations of Marines.
It is important to remember and honor the remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving our country. Gen. Al Gray’s contributions to the Marine Corps and his unwavering commitment to defending our nation should be celebrated and recognized. May he rest in peace.
