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.
Had the honor of shaking his hand on Christmas day 1990 in Saudi Arabia when he came with the SGTMAJ of USMC to visit his Marines at Ras Al Mishab! Semper Fi Sir! We would have followed you to the gates of hell! 🫡🇺🇸😔
He changed the Marine Corps and altered the trajectory of maneuver warfare as a warfighting strategy. Will always love this amazing Marine.
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.
He was really something else.
A leader like no other.
He was my Commadant when I joined and a super hero of a leader in the eyes of young Marines. Like others have mentioned he cared deeply for his Marines. Forever in my heart and memories. Semper Fi sir.
Sad day. The nation and Marine Corps were blessed to have General Gray as its 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
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
Sad day for most living Marines. Especially so for me.
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9moRIP