The national ensign flag at local military bases will be at half-mast for 29 days, marking the death of Gen. Alfred Gray, the 29th Marine Corps commandant and legendary Marine who rose from the rank and file and helped set the foundation for how Marines fight.
“Today I mourn with all Marines, past and present, the loss of our 29th commandant, Gen. Gray,” said Gen. Eric Smith, the commandant of the Marine Corps. “He was a ‘Marine’s Marine’ — a giant who walked among us during his career and after, remaining one of the Corps’ dearest friends and advocates even into his twilight.”
Gray died on Wednesday, March 20, in his home in Virginia after a short hospice stay. He was 95.
He served as the 29th Marine commandant from July 1, 1987, to June 30, 1991, retiring after 41 years of service after enlisting as a private in 1950 and commissioning as a second lieutenant in 1952. After retirement, he remained involved with Marine initiatives programs and groups such as the Marine Corps Association and Foundation, the Semper Fi Fund, the Potomac Institute and various events.
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Smith said Gray developed the doctrine that is still the foundation for the Marines’ warfighting today. Though it is only 100 pages long, Smith called it “legendary” and said it teaches Marines how to “think, prepare and execute” warfighting.
Along with setting the foundation, Gray put a focus on large-scale maneuvers in desert and cold-weather environments and robust maritime special operations.
Camp Pendleton and Twentynine Palms are examples and use their geography to facilitate large annual exercises that help Marines stay ready. Camp Pendleton covers 125,000 acres, including 17.5 miles of shoreline, perfect for amphibious assault training. Inland at Twentynine Palms, Marines train constantly, and there is enough maneuvering space to facilitate brigade-size (15,000 Marines) training…
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