Retired US Marine Corps Commandant, Point Beach Graduate, Mourned

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — General Alfred M. Gray, the 29th commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps and a 1946 graduate of Point Pleasant Beach High School, has died.

Gray died March 20, 2024 in Alexandria, Virginia, after a brief stay in hospice care. He was 95 years old. He was the last enlisted Marine to attain the post of Commandant of the Marine Corps, after being promoted to general on July 1, 1987 and assuming those duties. He served in that post until he retired June 30, 1991. He spent his retirement years in northern Virginia with his wife, Jan, until her death in 2020.

"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," said Gen. Eric M. Smith, 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

"His contributions are many, including the development of our maneuver warfare doctrine, Warfighting, which remains to this day the philosophic bedrock of how we fight as Marines. Although he will be missed by all, his legacy will endure and his spirit will continue to live among us," Smith said.

"Al Gray was one of a kind … a thinker, an innovator, a teacher," retired Gen. Robert Neller, who served as the 37th Commandant from 2015 to 2019, told U.S. Naval Institute News. “He single-handedly made the Corps focus on warfighting from the tactical to the strategic. At the same time, he never forgot where he came from as an enlisted Marine. We all just loved him and will miss him dearly."

Warfighting, Fleet Marine Force Manual 1, is just over 100 pages and has become legendary among military doctrine and remains the foundation for how the Marine Corps thinks about, prepares for, and executes all Marine Corps operations, a news release from the Marine Corps said.

Gray also emphasized large-scale maneuvers in desert and cold-weather environments and robust maritime special operations capabilities.

He was a staunch advocate for military education, which led to the establishment of Marine Corps University, the Marine Corps said. It also earned him the honor of being the namesake of the Alfred M. Gray Research Center at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia.

"It is with heavy hearts that Point Pleasant Beach High School and the entire Point Pleasant Beach community mourn the passing of 'Our General,' General Al Gray," read a post from the school district administration on the high school's Facebook page.

"A distinguished member of the Class of 1946, General Gray's contributions to the Marine Corps and his country are deeply honored and respected," the post said. "General Gray's legacy is one of bravery, leadership, and dedication to service. His remarkable achievement as the last enlisted man to be appointed Commandant of the Marine Corps serves as a testament to his exceptional abilities and commitment to duty."

Gray signed a photo to the school that hangs on the wall on the second floor, the district said. The message reads:

"For the Great Garnet Gulls of Point Pleasant Beach High School — From "one Gull to another" and with deep appreciation for what you taught me — both on and off the field — and most importantly in the classroom! Best wishes and Semper Fidelis, Al Gray PPBHS — 1946."

"As the community reflects on General Gray's life and accomplishments, his enduring example will continue to inspire all who follow in his footsteps," the school district wrote. "The phrase 'fair winds and following seas' is a poignant farewell, expressing the community's wishes for his journey beyond this life."

Gray enlisted in the Marines in 1950 and served in both Korea and in the Vietnam War. He served overseas with the Amphibious Reconnaissance Platoon, Fleet Marine Force (FMF), Pacific; and served tours as an artillery officer with the 2d Battalion, 11th Marines, and as an infantry officer with the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. He spent time with the Headquarters Marine Corps as special operations and plans officer and saw service in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and in Vietnam.

He was highly decorated, receiving the Silver Star; the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” and a gold star in lieu of a second award; the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and three gold stars in lieu of second, third and fourth awards; the Purple Heart with a gold star in lieu of a second Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; the Navy Commendation Medal; and the Combat Action Ribbon with a gold star in lieu of a second award, according to his official Marine Corps biography.

"General Gray was beloved by his Marines, and he is well known for being the first Commandant to have his official photograph and portrait taken in the camouflage utility uniform, famously remarking that 'every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman. All other conditions are secondary,' " the Marine Corps statement said.

Marine Corps installations were lowering the Corps' National Ensign to half mast, where it will remain through March 27.

"Every Marine loved him … Marines are still sending him things to autograph," said retired Lt. Gen. George Flynn, a long-time friend who served for two years as Gray’s aide, USNI News reported. "When you say 'Al Gray' (Marines) say, 'I know who he is.' Even the youngsters."